Actor (and network) models

Transcription

1 Actor (and network) models EPA2142 Policy and Decision Models Research Seminar Leon Hermans Delft University of Technology The original lecture slides by Leon Hermans have been adapted for OpenCourseWare publication. Challenge the future

2 This research seminar Introduction to Actor Models 1. What are actor models and why are they important in this course? 2. What types of models are there? 3. How do they relate to game theory? An overview of models, but no specific examples; these will follow later in the course EPA Policy and Decision Models 2 10

3 Actors matter on all levels: from local to international Example: climate change negotiations in Bali, 2007: Photo published online by Oxfam International under cc-by-2.0 license. Photo published online by Malte at da.wikipedia.org under cc-by-2.0 license. EPA Policy and Decision Models 3 10 Photo by Lauri Myllyvirta, published online under cc-by-2.0 license.

4 Actors are central But what are they? EPA1121: Actors are often groups and organizations, but also (important) individuals can be considered as actors In fact, actors are often multi-layered, nested entities ( composed actors ) Actors: Have a certain interest in the system, and/or Have some ability to influence that system Network: more or less stable patterns of social relations between actors Networks take shape around policy problems or programmes How does this compare to the terminology used in game theory? EPA Policy and Decision Models 4 10

5 What are actor models? Models that help to explain the role and position of actors in policy- or decision-making Are game theory models also actor models? This is a quite broad answer looking at the assumptions that underlie actor models will give a better understanding of what actor models are EPA Policy and Decision Models 5 10

6 Assumptions behind actor models 1. Rationality Behaviour of actors in policy processes is mainly rational / strategic As opposed to mainly intuitive, emotional or impulsive Rational behaviour is influenced by: Objectives, interests and underlying values Perceptions ( how the world operates ) Resources, means and instruments to further their interests (e.g. formal authority, money, expertise, etc.) EPA Policy and Decision Models 6 10

7 Assumptions behind actor models 2. Network context Policy actors typically operate in policy networks or arenas in which multiple actors are present Hence: Multi-actor systems Actor behaviour in networks is influenced by: Network structure and the position of the actor therein (many/few actors, hierarchical structure or not, centrality of actors, density of networks, ) Rules in the network (formal and informal) Note: actors influence networks and vice versa! EPA Policy and Decision Models 7 10

8 Policy arena (arrows in arena depict actions by actors ) Actor perceptions objectives resources Actor perceptions resources objectives Actor Actor perceptions resources objectives Rules perceptions resources Actor perceptions resources objectives Actor perceptions resources objectives objectives Unilateral action Unilateral action Policies (actions by actors, decided collectively ) Unilateral action External forces System domain for policies Outcomes of interest EPA Policy and Decision Models 8 10

9 Overview of actor analysis methods Three general approaches: Theoretical approach Pragmatic approach (most reported approach - stakeholder analysis) In-between: Model-based approach Theory guides analysis Policy Network Theory Advocacy Coalition Framework Stream Model Institutional Analysis and Development Framework... Models as basis EPA2142 Pragmatic approach Stakeholder analysis Quick-and-dirty Checklists Easy to use and adapt to situational needs... EPA1121 EPA Policy and Decision Models 9 10

10 Model-based approach: Actor Models Translation of theoretical insights into more operational models Theoretical basis improves transparency and focus and reduces analyst s bias Operationalization in models provides (some) practical guidance Analytical rigor comes at the expense of broadness and room for pragmatic freedom More time consuming than quick-and-dirty Focus depends on the selected method EPA Policy and Decision Models 10 10

11 Examples of model-based approaches Purpose Modeling Approaches Conceptual Focus Supporting problem formulation Modeling System Actors Supporting process management Gaming Argumentative & narrative analysis, Q-method Cognitive maps, dynamic actor network analysis Stochastic agents, social network models Consumer choice, conjoint analysis Agent-based models Game theory and general equilibrium models Game theory and conflict models Transactional and exchange models Stakeholder analysis Gaming and simulation for learning, research and intervention Perceptions and values Perceptions and values Rules and networks Values Resources and values Resources and values Resources and values Resources and values Often: Resources and values Various, depending on game design and game models EPA Policy and Decision Models 11 10

12 Comparing actor models Focus resources, network, perceptions, values see previous slides and literature (e.g. EPA1121 reader) Analytic quality Scope Specificity Logical interconnectedness EPA Policy and Decision Models 12 10

13 EPA Policy and Decision Models Diagram from L. M. Hermans, W. A. H. Thissen / European Journal of Operational Reseach 196 (2009)

14 What models have the highest analytic quality in this figure? Is highest analytic quality always best for actor models? What are the advantages and disadvantages? EPA Policy and Decision Models Diagram from L. M. Hermans, W. A. H. Thissen / European Journal of Operational Reseach 196 (2009)

15 Game theory and actor models Translating the concepts These game theory concepts Players can be considered a specific type of these actor modeling concepts Actors Strategies Resources Outcome?? Payoffs Values What about aspects related to Perceptions and Networks in game theory? EPA Policy and Decision Models 15 10

16 So now you know What actor models are How they can be classified, and How game theory fits in this broader context of actor models EPA Policy and Decision Models 16 10