We present a conceptual model of control mechanisms for virtual organizations. Control mechanisms and norms in general have certain objectives. We propose to model both the participants, and the normative system itself as autonomous agents, having certain beliefs, desires and goals. Norms, which can be internalized by the agents as obligations, are translated into conditional beliefs, desires a...

Environmental issues are characterised by uncertainty and problems of cooperation. Societal responses to such challenges are institutions: beliefs, norms, relationships, property rights, agencies, etc. We discuss here a bottom-up approach to the emergence of institutions such as beliefs and norms in pollution issues and agri-environmental policy implementation. The models are based on networks ...

In this paper, we consider the design of normative multiagent systems composed of both constitutive and regulative norms. We analyze the properties of constitutive norms, in particular their lack of reflexivity, and the trade-off between constitutive and regulative norms in the design of normative systems. As methodology we use the metaphor of describing social entities as agents and of attribu...

What is considered to be fair depends on context-dependent expectations. Using a modified version of the Ultimatum Game, we demonstrate that both fair behavior and perceptions of fairness depend upon beliefs about what one ought to do in a situation— that is, upon normative expectations. We manipulate such expectations by creating informational asymmetries about the offer choices available to t...

‘The need to justify our beliefs to ourselves and our fellow agents subjects us to norms, and obedience to these norms produces a behavioural pattern that we must detect in others before confidently attributing beliefs to them. But there seems to be no occasion to look for obedience to an additional norm – the commandment to seek the truth. For – to return to the pragmatist doubt with which I b...

What do American adults believe about what, where, when, how much, and how often it is appropriate to eat? Such normative beliefs originate from family and friends through socialization processes, but they are also influenced by governments, educational institutions, and businesses. Norms therefore provide an important link between the social environment and individual attitudes and behaviors. ...

The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting HIV risk reduction among 150 Black and 150 White South Africans chosen by systematic random sampling. Main outcome measures included sexual behavior and condom use, knowledge about correct condom use, intention of condom use, behavioural norms, attitudes, normative beliefs, and subjective norms about condoms, HIV/AIDS health beliefs, and H...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to bring clarity to the concept of social capital in the value creation in firms from the knowledge management perspective. To discuss the social characteristics of different types of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of the literature, it is argued that different types of knowledge have the distinctive logic of value creation and ...