Authors: Kai Bellmann (presenting authors), Lisa Scholten, Gerdien de Vries (Delft University of Technology)

Abstract

Urban areas face an increasing urgency to adapt to climate change, yet adaptation efforts remain insufficient. Addressing this adaptation gap requires an understanding of the psychological mechanisms and contextual influences shaping climate adaptation behaviour. Whereas behavioural scientists have explored citizens’ climate adaptation behaviours, the decision-making of policymakers is often overlooked despite its importance in closing the adaptation gap.

To address this, we conducted a behavioural systems analysis to uncover behavioural dynamics that shape policymakers’ decision-making, based on 32 semi-structured interviews and a workshop with Dutch urban climate adaptation policymakers. Combing thematic and content analysis with behavioural system mapping, our results highlight the importance of an integrated, dynamic system approach to understand psychological and contextual influences on policymakers’ decision-making. We identified nine central themes reflecting key behavioural dynamics. Furthermore, analysis of behavioural influences using the Theoretical Domains Framework identified policymakers’ beliefs about consequences, environmental context and resources, and goals as most influential determinants of behaviour. Behavioural system mapping revealed three impactful levers for behavioural interventions to improve decision-making in urban climate adaptation.

By integrating behavioural insights and systems analysis, this work proposes a novel approach to analyse contextual, dynamic influences and determinants of behaviour that shape adaptation policymaking. Therefore, it aligns with recent calls from behavioural scientists highlighting the need for systemic approaches in behavioural science.

Why should you join?

• Discover how behavioural system mapping can be utilised to understand behavioural dynamics, integrating behavioural science and systems analysis.
• Learn about the factors and dynamics that shape policymakers‘ decision-making in urban climate adaptation.

June 12^th, 2025

12 PM to 12.40 PM (UK, London)

1 PM; to 1.40 PM (CET, Berlin)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89143663283?pwd=kxdJrqXHfZ0O2nJVPL7TgfCBfuJtRq.1

Meeting-ID: 891 4366 3283

Kenncode: 1

Comment: In case of technical problems, please visit https://www.euro-online.org/websites/bor/behavioral-operation-research-brown-bag-seminar-series/ before the start of the meeting.

Maura E Halstead (presenting author), Manuel Lopez-Ibanez, George Farmer, and Paul Warren

Abstract

When designing new operations research (OR) methods, it’s crucial to consider how the human decision-maker will actually use these methods. Some methods that consider the human element assume that humans will make suboptimal decisions and offer ways to avoid such decisions. This assumption for suboptimal behavior is known as cognitive bias and comes from simple tasks in the psychology of judgment and decision-making. However, this domain revolves around simple tasks that do not measure or consider factors relevant to OR methods. As a result, we do not know if, when, how, or why cognitive biases occur in OR settings. Without this knowledge, we cannot reliably create methods or processes to overcome such behavior. This presentation will discuss one specific cognitive bias and demonstrate how behavioral experiments benefit the OR community.

Why should you join: Participants will learn why it is important to study cognitive phenomena in OR. They will also see the benefits of conducting such research.

Why should you join?

• Participants will learn why it is important to study cognitive phenomena in OR.
• They will also see the benefits of conducting such research.

April 10^th, 2025

12 PM to 12.40 PM (UK, London)

1 PM; to 1.40 PM (CET, Berlin)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89143663283?pwd=kxdJrqXHfZ0O2nJVPL7TgfCBfuJtRq.1

Meeting-ID: 891 4366 3283

Kenncode: 1

Comment: In case of technical problems, please visit https://www.euro-online.org/websites/bor/behavioral-operation-research-brown-bag-seminar-series/ before the start of the meeting.

Fran Ackermann (John Curtin Distinguished Professor, Innovation,
Entrepreneurship, Strategy and International Business Discipline, School of
Management and Marketing Curtin Business School, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin
University)

Abstract

Addressing Grand Challenges (GC), such as navigating climate change or aging societies, is increasingly gaining prominence across the globe. Those researching and addressing such challenges argue that progress requires collaborative, integrated, and coordinated responses from a wide range of stakeholders including organisations, governments, communities, etc. To successfully navigate these challenges, approaches need to be able to engage with stakeholders in two ways. Firstly, in terms of eliciting a comprehensive understanding of the challenge as viewed through the many stakeholder lenses and thus managing the resultant complexity of that data and secondly through attending to the myriad socio-political considerations. Problem Structuring Methods (PSM) through their focus on managing messy, complex, wicked problems are well situated to assist in this endeavour, particularly when coupled with the growing body of work in the field of Behavioural OR (BOR). This paper illustrates how PSM with BOR can address Grand Challenges by mapping the characteristics together and proposing a framework depicting the potential contribution.

Why should you join?

• Interested in seeking to support decision-makers grappling with super wicked problems (Grand Challenges).
• Interested in potential collaborative working with researchers investigating the use of PSM on super wicked problems.

February 13^th, 2024

12 PM to 12.40 PM (UK, London)

1 PM; to 1.40 PM (CET, Berlin)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89143663283?pwd=kxdJrqXHfZ0O2nJVPL7TgfCBfuJtRq.1

Meeting-ID: 891 4366 3283

Kenncode: 1

Comment: In case of technical problems, please visit https://www.euro-online.org/websites/bor/behavioral-operation-research-brown-bag-seminar-series/ before the start of the meeting.