146 research outputs found
Altruism and Selfish Behavior. The Docility Model Revisited
Herbert A. Simon is widely known for his studies on rationality, artificial intelligence and for his pioneering approach to organizational studies. In one of his latest works, he presented a theory of human interaction, focused on the conflict between the selfish and the altruistic that can be seen as the essence of human relationships. The model is quite ambiguous: (1) it follows a kind of social Darwinism that (2) postulates selfish individualsâ extinction. Taking up Simonâs hypotheses on altruism, docility, and selfish behavior, we develop an alternative model of human interaction. The main objective of the paper is to show that rejecting neo-Darwinism and assuming slight complications in the model can explain more in terms of social system interactions. We assume that docility and then altruism, in a technical sense, is the basis of social interaction as it shapes the whole system. It is worth noting that, in the model, selfish individuals do not disappear.docility, altruism, social system, bounded rationality, social interactions, social Darwinism
Extending the Bounded Rationality Model: The Distributed Cognition Approach
The way Simon, and the major part of the scholars, presented and used bounded rationality directly refers to human computational capabilities (or âbrute-forceâ). Despite its broad powers of explanation, some problems arise when taking into account the way the human cognitive system really works. In order to avoid these problems, we present an alternative model of rationality, where computation plays only a part, together with the implemented role of external resources, emotional and other non-strictly-rational variables.bounded rationality, distributed cognition, external resources, decision-making, problem solving, emotions
Stability of the linearized MHD-Maxwell free interface problem
We consider the free boundary problem for the plasma-vacuum interface in
ideal compressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). In the plasma region, the flow
is governed by the usual compressible MHD equations, while in the vacuum region
we consider the Maxwell system for the electric and the magnetic fields, in
order to investigate the well-posedness of the problem, in particular in
relation with the electric field in vacuum. At the free interface, driven by
the plasma velocity, the total pressure is continuous and the magnetic field on
both sides is tangent to the boundary.
Under suitable stability conditions satisfied at each point of the
plasma-vacuum interface, we derive a basic a priori estimate for solutions to
the linearized problem. The proof follows by a suitable secondary
symmetrization of the Maxwell equations in vacuum and the energy method.
An interesting novelty is represented by the fact that the interface is
characteristic with variable multiplicity, so that the problem requires a
different number of boundary conditions, depending on the direction of the
front velocity (plasma expansion into vacuum or viceversa). To overcome this
difficulty, we recast the vacuum equations in terms of a new variable which
makes the interface characteristic of constant multiplicity. In particular, we
don't assume that plasma expands into vacuum.Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1112.310
Weak stability of the plasma-vacuum interface problem
We consider the free boundary problem for the two-dimensional plasma-vacuum
interface in ideal compressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). In the plasma
region, the flow is governed by the usual compressible MHD equations, while in
the vacuum region we consider the Maxwell system for the electric and the
magnetic fields. At the free interface, driven by the plasma velocity, the
total pressure is continuous and the magnetic field on both sides is tangent to
the boundary.
We study the linear stability of rectilinear plasma-vacuum interfaces by
computing the Kreiss-Lopatinskii determinant of an associated linearized
boundary value problem. Apart from possible resonances, we obtain that the
piecewise constant plasma-vacuum interfaces are always weakly linearly stable,
independently of the size of tangential velocity, magnetic and electric fields
on both sides of the characteristic discontinuity.
We also prove that solutions to the linearized problem obey an energy
estimate with a loss of regularity with respect to the source terms, both in
the interior domain and on the boundary, due to the failure of the uniform
Kreiss-Lopatinskii condition, as the Kreiss-Lopatinskii determinant associated
with this linearized boundary value problem has roots on the boundary of the
frequency space. In the proof of the a priori estimates, a crucial part is
played by the construction of symmetrizers for a reduced differential system,
which has poles at which the Kreiss-Lopatinskii condition may fail
simultaneously.Comment: 38 page
Docility and âthrough doingâ morality: An alternative approach to ethics
In this paper, we aim at presenting the distributed morality approach as it can be described by the docility model of social interactions. The proposition âmorality is a matter of social interactionâ constitutes our starting point. We aim at pointing out the ways through which individuals create moral alternatives to a given situation. The paper is dedicated to presenting morality as something connected to human cognition. We introduce a âmanipulativeâ way of thinking about morality, and we argue that it is âdistributedâ through things, animals, computers, and other human beings (section I); furthermore, the idea of a type of âthrough doingâ morality comes up. Then, we find that this model supports an alternative view of the socio-economic system and, therefore, we suggest that the docility model (section II, as amended from Simonâs original model 1990; 1993), fits the case. The field of business ethics exempts useful insights from research on this issue. Recent studies on moral thinking and moral imagination seem to support this research project.cognition, distributed morality, docility, social interactions, socioeconomic system
The public service-motivated volunteer devoting time or effort: a review and research agenda
The purpose of this conceptual article is to further our understanding of how evolving volunteer trends impact on volunteering intensity. The aim is to provide clarity by applying to the volunteer literature a theoretical framework that can be adapted to different ways in which people volunteer and thus may inform subsequent empirical work. First, we address academic debates concerning the measurement of volunteer effort. Second, we propose using public service motivation (PSM) theory as a means to understand the motivation of volunteers across sectors. We suggest that different PSM dimensions may be more dominant in certain volunteer settings than others and incorporate personâorganisation fit as a means to understand the relationship between PSM and volunteering intensity. Finally, this article proposes directions for future research
Triggers and damages of organizational defensive routines
Existing research on organizational defensive routines (ODRs) posits that they have strong and intertwined individual and organizational components. However, the literature has not yet systematically isolated and analyzed factors at both levels that trigger ODRs. This paper first utilizes theory on organizational routines to explain the characteristics of ODRs. Next, it identifies their individual and organizational level triggers. At the individual level factors generating ODRs are general self-efficacy, locus of control, and neuroticism while those operating at the organizational level are organizational politics, red tape, and organizational structure. The paper finally explores the potential damages ODRs could cause to individuals and organizations related to individualsâ job satisfaction, work engagement, organizational ambidexterity, and organizational learning. The theoretical model in this paper builds a foundation for future empirical study and extends theoretically the nomological network of ODRs
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