Two Forces Underlying Expectation Formation: Resistance and Readiness

Timo Ehrig

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Abstract

This paper introduces a model to systematically understand expectation formation in environments in which individuals have to revise their beliefs, as new incoming information or newly learned theories about the environment are inconsistent with their prior beliefs. Our model rests on two simple assumptions: individuals have different entrenchments of ('resistance to give up') beliefs and they restore logical coherence of their beliefs. Our model predicts what the tipping points for agreement of an individual on a new expectation are. It predicts the missing links in arguments that can be provided to create agreement to a novel expectation. Moreover, it predicts which prior beliefs create resistance in an individual to accept a new expectation. We derive a taxonomy of structures of prior belief systems that explains different responses to strategic challenges among firm leaders.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Seventy-sixth Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management
EditorsJohn Humphreys
Number of pages1
Place of PublicationBriar Cliff Manor, NY
PublisherAcademy of Management
Publication date2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
EventThe Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2016: Making Organizations Meaningful - Anaheim, United States
Duration: 5 Aug 20169 Aug 2016
Conference number: 76
http://aom.org/annualmeeting/

Conference

ConferenceThe Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2016
Number76
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnaheim
Period05/08/201609/08/2016
Internet address
SeriesAcademy of Management Proceedings
ISSN0065-0668

Keywords

  • Coherence
  • Expectations
  • Induction

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