Managing non-cooperative behaviors in consensus reaching processes: a comprehensive self-management weight generation mechanism

In group decision-making, a consensus-reaching process (CRP) is critical to minimize conflicts among decision-makers. Non-cooperative behaviors during the CRP may slow the consensus achievement or even lead to consensus failure. Previous research has not thoroughly identified various non-cooperative behaviors nor has it developed distinct management strategies for different CRP stages. This study aims to provide a systematic approach for identifying and addressing non-cooperative behaviors at different CRP stages, employing tailored management for each behavior type. We introduce and apply a concept named ‘comprehensive score’ to facilitate varied responses to non-cooperative behaviors throughout the CRP. A null-norm operator-based self-management weight generation mechanism is proposed to monitor experts’ historical performance, while a systematic analysis of experts’ characteristics enables detailed classification of non-cooperative behaviors. Through the research, we find that there are seven types of non-cooperative researches which needs to be respectively addressed according to its effects. The proposed management scheme improves the efficiency of CRP. Besides, the current research enriches the mechanisms for identifying and handling non-cooperative behaviors. It offers methodological references for non-cooperative behaviors management in more complex decision-making scenarios.