Consideration of the origin of Herbert Simon's theory of “satisficing” (1933‐1947)

doi:10.1108/00251740410568944

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Consideration of the origin of Herbert Simon's theory of “satisficing” (1933‐1947)

Published Dec 1, 2004 · R. Brown

Management Decision

73

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4

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Abstract

Herbert Simon's major contribution to decision‐making theory is the concept of “satisficing”. This was first posited in Administrative Behavior, published in 1947, and the book, concerned as it was with establishing a scientific approach to administrative theory, puts forward an adjustment of then‐current economic theory, which viewed administrative choice as a process of maximising. While, over the ensuing decades, Simon adjusted his definitions of both “economic man” and of “satisficing” in several subsequent publications, the original exposition of these was a major contribution to the area of administrative theory. An attempt has been made here to explore what circumstances might have led Simon into putting forward the concept of “satisficing”.

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Study Snapshot

Herbert Simon's concept of "satisficing" may have been influenced by his experience in administrative decision-making, as he struggled to find a scientific approach to administrative theory.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Consideration of the origin of Herbert Simon's theory of “satisficing” (1933‐1947)

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