Abstract:

The establishment of a leader-follower dynamic (i.e., a sequential disclosure of decisions between individuals) can easily lead to the solution of coordination problems by creating a shared focal point between individuals (i.e., the decision of the leader). However, the establishment of the order in this sequence also creates a coordination problem in which individuals must decide who will be the leader. Usually, conventions provide stable solutions to coordination problems (e.g., which side of the road to drive) due to a within-group shared history of interactions under specific conditions. These conventions are defined as arbitrary, perceived regularities of behaviors maintained by individuals’ expectations and preferences. The emergence and stability of these regularities are often investigated through computational models. Therefore, in this study, we use an agent-based computational model to investigate the minimal conditions for the emergence and stability of arbitrary conventions of leadership attribution. In our model, agents’ dyadic interactions corresponded to evolved dispositions in decision-making processes as proposed by distinct evolutionary theories of leadership. Therefore, we expect that by defining under which conditions agents’ decisions lead to arbitrary attribution of leadership, we can contribute to the understanding of how leadership attribution can become conventionalized and eventually institutionalized.

Speaker's social media:

@guilhermehlmsilva.bsky.social