Social constructs and boundedly rational actors: A simulation framework

In this paper we sketch a framework for multi-actor simulation of an organization. In contrast to many approaches to multi-actor simulation, we design the actors as cognitively plausible actors. The interaction and cooperation of the actors is based on social constructs. In elaborating a cognitive perspective on actors, we use the cognitive architecture ACT-R for modelling the individual actors. This cognitive architecture implements a part of Simon’s bounded rationality. In the recent discussion about bounded rationality, fast and frugal heuristics play an important role. Some of these heuristics will be included in the simulation model as a compensation mechanism for the limits to rationality. Individual actors and organizations always function within an environment that is structured in terms of space, time, objects, resources, other actors and signs. Because of the demands of the task environment, in which things often cannot be done alone, actors have to cooperate. Cooperation is only possible based on intertwined habits and mutual commitments that are expressed in sign structures, such as agreements, contracts and plans. At a semiotical level of description, these sign structures are seen as social affordances or social constructs. Social constructs guide the formation and reinforcement of habits of individual actors that are aimed at cooperation, coordination and socially accepted behaviour. At an organizational level of description, organizational configurations can be identified. These organizational configurations can be seen as networks of social constructs.