In: Economics
Game Theory
Definition
According to MBA Crystal Ball 2019, “Game theory attempts to take into consideration the interactions between the participants and their behavior to study the strategic decision-making between rational individuals. It tries to find out the actions that a “player” should perform which would maximize his chances of success mathematically and logically”
Meaning
It basically means that a player in the game theory is using the most rational philosophy while making a decision to arrive at the optimal alternative.
In this, there is a strategic interaction between two or more players in a situation where rules and regulations are applicable.and a certain outcome has to been achieved.
Types of Game Theory
Cooperative Game Theory
According to Hayes (2019), " “Cooperative game theory deals with how coalitions, or cooperative groups, interact when only the payoffs are known."
In other words, there is a group of players called coalition and these coalitions of players are in a competition. The decision-making in this situation is done in a group rather than individually. The cooperative game can be enforced on a voluntary basis or through threats.
Non-Cooperative Game Theory
"Non-cooperative game theory deals with how rational economic agents deal with each other to achieve their own goals. The most common non-cooperative game is the strategic game, in which only the available strategies and the outcomes that result from a combination of choices are listed”
In other words, the competition is between the individual players in the economy or situation. The decision-making to maximize their gains is done by the individual agents.
It is the most common type of non-cooperative game theory. In this, we have different choices to select from and the strategies and outcomes of the game are already listed or known. Example, Rock-Paper-Scissor.
A real-life example of Game Theory
As was reiterated by Taylor,
He is telling us about an example of game theory that he used in his real-life. He had been using the game theory while looking for a travel nursing assignment in Denver Colorado. He wanted to be placed in the emergency department.
Duronio gave an example where he was able to extract the greatest deal by using the car dealership against one another.
This was what Taylor also did for finding the optimal option. In Denver, he had been interacting with different agents who are interested in employing travel nurses. Through this, he was able to gather the required information which will greatly help him in finding out the work that will provide him with the highest-earning.
Finding different alternatives and evaluate them before making the final decision is the most optimum way to ensure that we are paying the best price for a good. After analysis, he realized that he had been using the game theory in his decisions so far.
Presently, game theory is benefitting him greatly to shape himself in being able to achieve the most success and giving him the opportunity to bargain with different organizations based on different details offered. He emphasized that with the coronavirus endangering everyone, to be able to get more from these agencies is the most optimal way for him to survive. He is also hoping that the game theory will be benefitting him in the future as well.
Conclusion
After analyzing the game theory and its know-how, we can say that to be able to maximise our gains, the strategies, and alternatives to arrive at a certain outcome should be evaluated and selected carefully. There are also several examples of game theory that many individuals or groups have been using in real-life.