^aManagerial and Economic Decision Sciences, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 2001 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201, USA. E-mails: dasm@kellogg.northwestern.edu and tfed@kellogg.northwestern.edu

Abstract

Steiner's principal objection to our paper is that deliberators in a committee are permitted to speak strategically whereas deliberative theory requires 'that actors do not lie but are truthful and authentic in their statements'. In this response we observe that such a prescription is relevant only to the extent that individuals might be expected to behave otherwise. Our paper explores conditions under which deliberators' strategic (descriptive) incentives are aligned with the (prescriptive) advice to tell the truth.