A Grounded Agent-Based Model of Common Good Production in a Residential Complex: Applying Artificial Experiments

Abstract

The present research addressed the problem of common good production referring to a real-world problem in an urban residential complex in Mashhad city, Iran. The residential complex includes four blocks showing different rates of success in the common good production. Analyzing the qualitative field data, using grounded theory framework, we distinguished seven different strategies among residents: vandal, robber, cheater, abider, cooperator, compensator, and punisher. The other main agents’ property that seems to be determining in the production of common good is their desirability for them which we quantified it referring to a couple of personal variables. The outputs of the qualitative phase of research let us to design an agent-based model in computer to apply some artificial experiments and find ways for promoting the situation. The results showed that some specific minor changes in agent combinations can make a great difference in the outcomes and solve the complex of cooperation.