Abstract
Abstract This paper introduces systems of exchange values as tools for the organization of multi-agent systems. Systems of exchange values are defined on the basis of the theory of social exchanges, developed by Piaget and Homans. A model of social organization is proposed, where social relations are construed as social exchanges and exchange values are put into use in the support of the continuity of the performance of social exchanges. The dynamics of social organizations is formulated in terms of the regulation of exchanges of values, so that social equilibrium is connected to the continuity of the interactions. The concept of supervisor of social equilibrium is introduced as a centralized mechanism for solving the problem of the equilibrium of the organization The equilibrium supervisor solves such problem making use of a qualitative Markov Decision Process that uses numerical intervals for the representation of exchange values.
Highlights
The exchange values approach to social interactions [31, 19], in which an interaction is seen as an exchange of services among a small group of agents, along with the corresponding evaluation of such services, was conceived as a methodological stance where organizations are taken as collections of small groups of agents
For the purposes of this paper, the notion of social organization can be defined as: Definition 1 The organization of a society is a structure O =(A, F, Ro,E,BV, Ru) where:A is the set of agents; F is the set of services that agents, and sets of agents,should provide for each other; Ro is the set of social roles that agents may be assigned to; E is the set of social exchanges that agents may perform between them; BV isthe set of balances of exchange values that supports the various ways agents may evaluate social exchanges; Ru isthe set of social rules that regulate the agents’ behaviors
Simulations of supervised social exchange processes were developed in the Python programming language, generating two types of reports: tables with the configurations of exchange values and material results at each time t T =0,...,1000, and graphics showing the trajectory of the mid points of the material results of the exchanges between two agents of a system
Summary
The exchange values approach to social interactions [31, 19], in which an interaction is seen as an exchange of services among a small group of agents, along with the corresponding evaluation of (assignment of values to) such services, was conceived as a methodological stance where organizations are taken as collections of small groups of agents. We build on our previous work regarding the application of Piaget’s approach to the analysis of interactions in multi-agent systems [34, 35, 14] and cooperative environments [8, 10], to consider the way systems of exchange values can be taken as useful tools for helping to solve problems concerning the organization of multi-agent systems.. We explain our understanding of the connection between Piaget’s and Homans’ approaches to exchange values, showing the role that Homan’s theory can play in the broader analytical framework set up by Piaget.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
