Title :
Integrative negotiation among agents situated in organizations
Author :
Zhang, Xiaoqin ; Lesser, Victor ; Wagner, Tom
Author_Institution :
Comput. & Inf. Sci. Dept., Univ. of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA
Abstract :
This paper addresses the problem of negotiation in a complex organizational context. An integrative negotiation mechanism is introduced, which enables agents to dynamically select a negotiation attitude based on the degree of external directedness. Experimental work explores the question of whether it always improves the organization´s social welfare to have an agent be completely externally directed when negotiating and making choices. Results show that there are situations in which it is better for the organization if agents are partially externally directed in their negotiations with other agents rather than completely externally directed. The paper discusses the driving factors behind this unexpected result
Keywords :
multi-agent systems; organisational aspects; integrative negotiation mechanism; multiagent system; organization social welfare; organizational dynamics; Computer science; Government; Information management; Information science; Military computing; Multiagent systems; Problem-solving; Project management; Resource management; Terminology; Group and organizational dynamics; integrative negotiation; motivation;
Journal_Title :
Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Part C: Applications and Reviews, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TSMCC.2005.860572