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The Dynamics of Collective Action

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  • Huberman, Bernardo A
  • Glance, Natalie S

Abstract

We elucidate the dynamics of ongoing collective action among intentional agents with diverse beliefs and imperfect information. The decisions on whether or not to contribute to the collective good depend not only on the past but also on their expectations as to how their actions will affect those of others. We show that in attempts at collective action the onset of overall cooperation can take place in a sudden and unexpected way. Likewise, defection can appear out of nowhere in very large, previously cooperating groups. These outbreaks mark the end of long transient states in which defection or cooperation persists in groups that cannot sustain it indefinitely. Computer experiments demonstrate these predictions, as well as verifying that diversity of beliefs among individuals act as an additional source of uncertainty, instigating the outbreaks. Citation Copyright 1995 by Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Suggested Citation

  • Huberman, Bernardo A & Glance, Natalie S, 1995. "The Dynamics of Collective Action," Computational Economics, Springer;Society for Computational Economics, vol. 8(1), pages 27-46.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:compec:v:8:y:1995:i:1:p:27-46
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrea Bonaccorsi & Cristina Rossi, 2002. "The Adoption of Business to Business E-Commerce: Heterogeneity and Network Externality Effects," LEM Papers Series 2002/12, Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.

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