A network formation game for the emergence of hierarchies

PLoS One. 2021 Aug 12;16(8):e0255990. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255990. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

We propose a novel network formation game that explains the emergence of various hierarchical structures in groups where self-interested or utility-maximizing individuals decide to establish or severe relationships of authority or collaboration among themselves. We consider two settings: we first consider individuals who do not seek the other party's consent when establishing a relationship and then individuals who do. For both settings, we formally relate the emerged hierarchical structures with the novel inclusion of well-motivated hierarchy promoting terms in the individuals' utility functions. We first analyze the game via a static analysis and characterize all the hierarchical structures that can be formed as its solutions. We then consider the game played dynamically under stochastic interactions among individuals implementing better-response dynamics and analyze the nature of the converged networks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Dissent and Disputes*
  • Game Theory*
  • Group Processes*
  • Hierarchy, Social*
  • Humans
  • Motivation
  • Social Networking*

Grants and funding

This work is supported by the U. S. Army Research Laboratory and the U. S. Army Research Office under grant number W911NF-15-1-0577. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the Army Research Laboratory or the U.S. Government.