# Navigating Decision Landscapes: The Impact of Principals on Decision-Making Dynamics

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.16230 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.16230/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 4 of its 21 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 25 Dec 2023.

## Builds on (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- [Complexity of Mechanism Design](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1408.1486/) (2014)
- [Multi-Receiver Online Bayesian Persuasion](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2106.06480/) (2021)
- [Automated Dynamic Mechanism Design](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2105.06008/) (2021)
- [How to Evaluate the Next System: Automatic Dialogue Evaluation from the Perspective of Continual Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1912.04664/) (2019)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We explored decision-making dynamics in social systems, referencing the 'herd behavior' from prior studies where individuals follow preceding choices without understanding the underlying reasons. While previous research highlighted a preference for the optimal choice without external influences, our study introduced principals or external guides, adding complexity to the decision-making process. The reliability of these principals significantly influenced decisions. Notably, even occasional trust in an unreliable principal could alter decision outcomes. Furthermore, when a principal's advice was purely random, heightened trust led to more decision errors. Our findings emphasize the need for caution when placing trust in decision-making contexts.