Inquisitiveness: Distributing Rational Thinking

Authored by Davide Secchi, Emanuele Bardone

Date Published: 2017

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: NetLogo

Model Documentation: Other Narrative

Model Code URLs: https://www.comses.net/codebases/4749/releases/1.0.0/

Abstract

Purpose- This study aims at redefining bounded rationality on the basis of a more socialized view of the individual. In doing so, it introduces inquisitiveness as a key disposition that some team members use to assemble and integrate knowledge when solving problems. Design/methodology/approach - Using an agent-based computational simulation, this research models different simulated employees working together in ad hoc teams to solve problems. Findings - Results show that inquisitiveness may work as an efficiency driver that, when present, economizes on knowledge needed by team members to solve problems. In addition to that, results also show that environments with many problems are more suitable for inquisitive individuals to be effective. Originality/value - Following the late Herbert Simon, the article takes the stance that rationality should be redefined as a socially-oriented process and introduces inquisitiveness as one - although probably not the only one - of the characteristics that help individuals and teams to make rational decisions.

Tags

Decision Making Agent-based modeling Bounded rationality Problem solving selection Search Competence Choice Inquisitiveness Docility Ad hoc teams Problem difficulty Successful altruism