Optimal shirking
Posted by Celia Walter | 14 Jul, 2010Optimal shirking
July 13th, 2010Shirk : verb ‘To avoid work, duties or responsibilities, especially if they are difficult or unpleasant.’ [source: Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary ]
The word normally carries quite
pronounced negative connotations. But are there circumstances when
shirking might have beneficial effects? For example in the efficient
operation of teams? According to new research from Tadashi Sekiguchi
associate professor of Game Theory at Osaka Prefecture University, and
colleagues from Wakayama University and Kyoto University in Japan the
answer is yes.
A theoretical/mathematical framework was developed to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of shirkers within a generalised team.The model allowed the members of the virtual team two alternatives – to work or to shirk.
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