Question

Marcus is the owner of a barbecue restaurant in a small southern town. he donated several hundred bar-b-q plates to the red cross immediately after hearing about the devastation caused in a neighboring town by a hurricane. he was motivated to do so by his desire to help others, by thoughts of the income tax deduction he could take, and by the recognition his store would receive from his act of charity. this is an example of

O self-interest
O prosocial behavior
O altruism
O egoism

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 1. Marcus's act of donating bar-b-q plates to hurricane victims, motivated by a mix of altruistic desire, tax benefits, and recognition, exemplifies prosocial behavior because it involves voluntary actions with the intent to help others, even if self-interest is also present.

Step-by-step explanation:

The philanthropic gesture by Marcus, who donated several hundred bar-b-q plates to the Red Cross, showcases a blend of motivations, including a desire to help others, the potential for an income tax deduction, and the opportunity for recognition. These motivations can generally be classified into different behavioral categories, such as self-interest, prosocial behavior, altruism, and egoism. After evaluating the primary motivations behind Marcus's actions—his desire to aid people affected by a disaster, gain a tax advantage, and receive acknowledgment for his charitable act—it becomes clear that his behavior is multifaceted. Thus, his actions are an example of prosocial behavior since this term encompasses voluntary behavior intended to benefit others, and it does not exclude the presence of self-interested motives.

It's worth noting that self-interest does not always negate the possibility of an action being prosocial. Many individuals balance their self-interest with genuine concern for the well-being of others, which can result in behaviors that are both economically rational and socially beneficial. While people often act out of self-interest, it is not uncommon for them to engage in prosocial acts that reflect a broader concern for social welfare, not merely personal gain. Therefore, considering all aspects of Marcus's decision to donate, the correct option is prosocial behavior.

Answer 2

Marcus's donation is an example of prosocial behavior motivated by self-interest more than altruism, as his intentions include personal gain in terms of tax deductions and recognition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Marcus, the owner of a barbecue restaurant, donated several hundred bar-b-q plates to the Red Cross for hurricane relief. His motivations were a mix of a desire to help, the potential for an income tax deduction, and the recognition his store would receive, which exemplifies a blend of behaviors. While his actions can be seen as prosocial behavior due to the beneficial nature of his actions toward others, it's also evident that self-interest is a driving factor given the financial and reputational benefits he anticipates. This scenario, however, does not align precisely with altruism, where an individual's actions are motivated purely by the desire to help others, without any expectation of personal gain, even at a personal cost.