The Impact of Institutions on the Decision How to Decide

Publication Type  Preprints
Author  Christoph Engel, Elke Weber
Year of Publication  2006
Issue  2006/19
Abstract  The human mind is not a general problem solving machine. Instead of deliberately, consciously and serially processing the available information, men can rely on routines, rules, roles or affect for the purpose. They can bring in technology, experts or groups. For all of these reasons, men have a plurality of problem solving modes at their disposition. Often, the meta-choice of problem solving mode matters for behavioural output. Some performance standards are only to be met if a certain problem solving mode is used, like a well-established skill. Other requirements are easier to fulfil with some problem solving modes. This explains why institutions frequently impact on the choice of problem solving mode. To show how institutions are able to do that, a model of problem solving modes is developed. It allows to systematise the access points for institutional intervention.
Pagination  29
Publisher  Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods
Place Published  Bonn
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Published in:  Journal of Institutional Economics, vol. 3, pp. 323-349, 2007
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Keywords  institutions, Problem Solving, Decision Making
JEL-Codes  D21, K40, Z13, D83, D10, K20, L51