An Archetypal Analysis for the Development of a Generalized Decision-Making Model in Groups as a Prerequisite for Productive Government and Leadership

Abstract

The original cultural roots of Economics, Informatics and Decision Sciences are related to its genesis, mythology, and prehistory and, of course, to its proto-foundations as a scientific discipline. The knowledge of the cultural roots of the Economics and Decision Sciences will promote our understanding of this vital topic and will deepen our thinking about its importance and usefulness, both as a practical and theoretical ergon/engagement discipline.

Under this prism, the present work is examining the contributory role of god Hermes to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Olympian Style of Management in the ancient Greek society. So, the major objective of this work is to propose an integrated model for productive (= effective + efficient) decision-making in groups. Group decision-making is the process of arriving at a judgment based upon the feedback of multiple individuals. Such decision-making is a key component to the functioning of an organization, because organizational performance involves more than just individual action. Due to the importance of the group decision-making process, decision-making models can be used to establish a systematic means of developing effective group decision-making.

In our study, we have examined twenty-two (22) ancient Greek works. Our intention is to understand god Hermes' personality traits and activities, as an indicator of the level of knowledge of Ancient Greeks on management science and their perceptions on the value of information and knowledge management in a group decision-making process. The authors propose that rational decision-making in all levels, in both government and entrepreneurship; prerequisites high quality of data, integrated information, convergence and consistency. The major implication of this study is related to the raising challenge for the next years, where academics must promote the systemic, multidisciplinary way of thinking to business students from economics, management and informatics fields.

Keywords: decision-making model in groups, leadership, archetypal analysis, mythology

JEL Classification: M39