Skip to main content
Log in

Combining strength and uncertainty for preferences in the graph model for conflict resolution with multiple decision makers

  • Published:
Theory and Decision Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A hybrid preference framework is proposed for strategic conflict analysis to integrate preference strength and preference uncertainty into the paradigm of the graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) under multiple decision makers. This structure offers decision makers a more flexible mechanism for preference expression, which can include strong or mild preference of one state or scenario over another, as well as equal preference. In addition, preference between two states can be uncertain. The result is a preference framework that is more general than existing models which consider preference strength and preference uncertainty separately. Within the hybrid preference structure, four kinds of stability are defined as solution concepts and a post-stability analysis, called status quo analysis, which can be used to track the evolution of a given conflict. Algorithms are provided for implementing the key inputs of stability analysis and status quo analysis within the extended preference structure. The new stability concepts under the hybrid preference structure can be used to model complex strategic conflicts arising in practical applications, and can provide new insights for the conflicts. The method is illustrated using the conflict over proposed bulk water exports from Lake Gisborne in Newfoundland, Canada.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Brams S.J. (1993) Theory of moves. Combridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brams S.J., Wittman D. (1981) Nonmyopic equilibria in 2 × 2 games. Conflict Management and Peace Science 6(1): 39–62

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daniel D. (2000) Conflict resolution. McGraw-Hill, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Fang L., Hipel K.W., Kilgour D.M. (1993) Interactive decision making: The graph model for conflict resolution. Wiley, New York, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Fang L., Hipel K W., Kilgour D.M., Peng X. (2003a) A decision support system for interactive decision making, Part 1: Model formulation. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, Part C 33(1): 42–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fang L., Hipel K.W., Kilgour D.M., Peng X. (2003b) A decision support system for interactive decision making, Part 2: Analysis and output interpretation. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, Part C 33(1): 56–66

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fang L., Hipel K.W., Wang L. (2002b) Gisborne water export conflict study. Proceedings of 3rd International Conference on Water Resources Environment Research 1: 432–436

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer G.W., Jia J., Luce M.F. (2000a) Attribute conflict and preference uncertainty: The randmau model. Management Science 46(5): 669–684

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer G.W., Luce M.F., Jia J. (2000b) Attribute conflict and preference uncertainty: Effects on judgment time and error. Management Science 46(1): 88–103

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser N.M., Hipel K.W. (1979) Solving complex conflicts. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics 9: 805–817

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamouda L., Kilgour D.M., Hipel K.W. (2004) Strength of preference in the graph model for conflict resolution. Group Decision and Negotiation 13: 449–462

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamouda L., Kilgour D.M., Hipel K.W. (2006) Strength of preference in graph models for multiple-decision-maker conflicts. Applied Mathematics and Computation 179: 314–327

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Howard N. (1971) Paradoxes of rationality: Theory of metagames and political behavior. MIT press, Cambridge, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Kilgour D.M. (1984) Equilibria for far-sighted players. Theory and Decision 16: 135–157

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kilgour D.M. (1985) Anticipation and stability in two-person noncooperative games. In: Ward M.D., Luterbacher U. (eds) Dynamic model of international conflict. Lynne Rienner Press, Boulder, CO, pp 26–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Kilgour D.M., Fang L., Hipel K.W. (1990) A decision support system for the graph model of conflicts. Theory and Decision 28(3): 289–311

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, K. W., Hipel, K. W., Kilgour, D. M., & Fang, L. (2002a). 2 × 2 games with uncertain ordinal preferences. In Proceedings of the 2002 international conference on control, automation (pp. 1471–1475). Xiamen: China.

  • Li, K. W., Hipel, K. W., Kilgour, D. M., & Fang, L. (2002b). Stability definitions for 2-player conflict models with uncertain preferences. In Proceedings of the 2002 IEEE international conference on systems, man and cybernetics, Vol. 7, pp. 13–18.

  • Li K.W., Hipel K.W., Kilgour D.M., Fang L. (2004) Preference uncertainty in the graph model for conflict resolution. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Part A: Systems and Humans 34(4): 507–520

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li K.W., Hipel K.W., Kilgour D.M., Noakes D.J. (2005a) Integrating uncertain preference into status quo analysis with applications to an environmental conflict. Group Decision and Negotiation 14: 461–479

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li K.W., Kilgour D.M., Hipel K.W. (2005b) Status quo analysis in the graph model for conflict resolution. Journal of the Operational Research Society 56: 699–707

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Myerson R.B. (1991) Game theory: Analysis of conflict. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Nash J.F. (1950) Equilibrium points in n-person games. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 36: 48–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nash J.F. (1951) Noncooperative games. Annals of Mathematics 54(2): 286–295

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pawlak Z. (1998) An inquiry into anatomy of conflicts. Journal of Information Sciences 109: 65–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saaty T.L. (1986) Axiomatic foundation of the analytic hierarchy process. Management Science 32(7): 841–855

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saaty J.M., Alexander T.L. (1989) Conflict resolution: The analytic hierarchy approach. Praeger Publishers, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • von Stackelberg H. (1934) Marktform und Gleichgewicht. Springer, Vienna

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu, H., Hipel, K. W., & Kilgour, D. M. (2008). Preference strength and uncertainty in the graph model for conflict resolution for two Decision-Makers. In Proceedings of the IEEE international conference on systems, man and cybernetics, Vol. 1, 2907–2912.

  • Zagare F.C. (1984) Limited-move equilibria in 2 × 2 games. Theory and Decision 16: 1–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Keith W. Hipel.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Xu, H., Hipel, K.W., Kilgour, D.M. et al. Combining strength and uncertainty for preferences in the graph model for conflict resolution with multiple decision makers. Theory Decis 69, 497–521 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11238-009-9134-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11238-009-9134-6

Keywords

Navigation