CoopNet: A Social, P2P-Like Simulation Model to Explore Knowledge-Based Production Processes

A prevalent claim is that we are in a knowledge economy, where firms can be viewed as networks of knowledge nodes interacting together. In this work, we propose a social, P2P-like simulation model, CoopNet, to investigate how networking and organizational mechanisms interact to affect the emergent cooperation of workers. More specifically, we examine how (i) distinct reward mechanisms and (ii) distinct mobility assumptions on workers’ combine to influence cooperation. As a result, we highlight the role of co-workers selection and the continuity of working relationships as alternative mechanisms to foster cooperation within intra-organizational network.