Exploring the potentials of behavioral system dynamics: insights from the field

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to contribute to the ongoing debate on behavioral operational research (BOR), specifically discussing the potential of system dynamics (SD) models to analyze decision-making heuristics. In more detail, the study suggests using an SD model as an ex-post research tool adopted not only to mimic a role-playing game (RPG) – reproducing the whole physical structure, and the complete set of decision rules specified for a supply chain (SC) management game – but also, and specifically, to replicate and analyze the players’ in-game behavior and decision-making. Design/methodology/approach After presenting a brief literature review devoted to highlighting the key concepts of the emerging streams of research named BOR and behavioral system dynamics (BehSD), the study presents the characteristics and results of an SC management-based RPG and describes the SD model that was developed to mimic the game and provide the base-run. A triangulation of data sources (which included feedback questionnaires and reports drawn up by 86 participants, as well as notes collected through direct observation of one of the authors) was used to infer information about and in-game decisions. Subsequently, four alternative versions of the SD model were calibrated to reproduce, investigate and explain ex-post the players’ in-game behavior and decision-making heuristics; this study specifically refers to one of them. Findings The SD model can be considered as the first output of this research. The model was calibrated to mimic the game and subsequently used to develop a few alternative models, helpful to replicate players’ behavior and analyze decision-making heuristics. The findings reveal not fully rational decisions taken by the players and share common findings with previous literature on the emergence of sub-optimal strategies (e.g. phantom ordering and hoarding strategies). The data collected from questionnaires, reports and direct observation additionally revealed that stress and behavioral factors played a role in affecting in-game decision-making. Practical implications Considering a specific RPG setting, the SD model developed in this study replicated and captured the range of factors affecting decision-making heuristics, allowing an ex-post analysis of in-game decisions. Notably, the research design presented and used in this study can be considered a generic one, which could be applied subsequently in a variety of contexts, also in combination with simulation/gaming tools and techniques different from role-playing, and both for educational and training purposes, and for research validation. Originality/value This study builds on and makes a contribution to the debate related to the emerging stream of research of BOR and more specifically, provides insights and evidence for the yet growing field of BehSD, at the same time advocating and suggesting further research in this area. Overall, the research revealed that behavioral factors may play a relevant role in driving and affecting human decision-making in simulation/gaming contexts.

Towards a strategic innovation framework to support supply chain performance

“…Moreover, SD has proved to be a useful tool for addressing behavioural issues in decision-making processes (Barnabè and Davidsen, 2020). As a result, a growing number of papers on behavioural issues in the field of management have been published, mainly to assess the impacts of behavioural aspects on such processes (Rahmandad et al , 2009; Sterman, 1989).…”

System dynamics gamification: A proposal for shared principles

“…Given the rapid technological advancements that increase the number of possible gamification options and raise the interest in games (e.g., virtual or physical, for learning or research purposes), establishing the SD gamification discipline emerges as a critical methodological challenge. Indicatively, a robust SD gamification domain could inform better the development of behavioural SD within which researchers broadly use gamified tools (e.g., Barnabè & Davidsen, 2019), creating fruitful interactions between different SD streams of research. To be best prepared, it is imperative to structure all past experiences in a new organic way.…”

“…Depending on the goals and contexts, SD games can be used by researchers to test and support a policy ( van Daalen et al, 2014), as well as to learn about the decision-making process and the system in general (Moxnes, 1998). Indicatively, within the behavioural SD field (Lane, 2017), Barnabè and Davidsen (2019) developed a role-playing game to collect data on players' behaviour and then built a model replicating players' actions to analyse their decision-making heuristics. Notably, SD games are predominantly used as educational tools (Mayer et al, 2016) for conveying dynamic insights to participants who are asked to intervene into a system and control the impact of their decisions (van Daalen et al, 2014).…”

Editorial

“…Barnabè and Davidsen (2019) used SD models to analyse decision-making heuristics. They collected data by through feedback questionnaires and reports drawn up by 86 participants, as well as notes collected through direct observation of one of the authors, to infer information about participants’ decisions.…”