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Economic Decisions and Simon’s Notion of Bounded Rationality

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  • Daniele Schilirò

Abstract

Decision making in economics has been always intertwined with the concept of rationality. However, neoclassical economic literature has been dominated by a specific notion of rationality, namely, perfect rationality, characterized by the assumption of consistency and by the maximization hypothesis. Herbert Simon, in his long research activity, questioned this concept of perfect or global rationality, suggesting a different vision, based on empirical evidence and regarding an individual’s choices. He challenged the neoclassical theory of global rationality, suggesting his notion of bounded rationality, a satisficing (instead of optimizing) behavior, and the relevance of procedural rationality to understand the process of thought of decision makers. Thus, this paper focuses on Simon’s notion of bounded rationality, since bounded rationality remains the hallmark of his theoretical contribution. First, the paper examines the economic decision process in the neoclassical theory and Simon’s notion of bounded rationality. Then, it analyzes in depth Simon’s behavioral model of rational choice, underlining the relevance of satisficing behavior and procedural rationality. Finally, it suggests an assessment of the concept of bounded rationality.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniele Schilirò, 2018. "Economic Decisions and Simon’s Notion of Bounded Rationality," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 11(7), pages 64-75, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:ibrjnl:v:11:y:2018:i:7:p:64-75
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simon, Herbert A, 1978. "Rationality as Process and as Product of Thought," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 68(2), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Daniele Schilirò, 2012. "Bounded Rationality And Perfect Rationality: Psychology Into Economics," Theoretical and Practical Research in the Economic Fields, ASERS Publishing, vol. 3(2), pages 99-108.
    3. Esther-Mirjam Sent, 2005. "Simplifying Herbert Simon," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 37(2), pages 227-232, Summer.
    4. Gustavo Barros, 2010. "Herbert A. Simon and the concept of rationality: Boundaries and procedures," Brazilian Journal of Political Economy, Center of Political Economy, vol. 30(3), pages 455-472.
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    6. Matthias Klaes & Esther-Mirjam Sent, 2005. "A Conceptual History of the Emergence of Bounded Rationality," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 37(1), pages 27-59, Spring.
    7. Simon, Herbert A, 1979. "Rational Decision Making in Business Organizations," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 69(4), pages 493-513, September.
    8. Gerd Gigerenzer, 1997. "Bounded Rationality: Models of Fast and Frugal Inference," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics (SJES), Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics (SSES), vol. 133(II), pages 201-218, June.
    9. Frantz, Roger, 2003. "Herbert Simon. Artificial intelligence as a framework for understanding intuition," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 24(2), pages 265-277, April.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    bounded rationality; economic decisions; expected utility; global rationality; procedural rationality; satisfying behavior;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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