Influence model with opinions and trust score evaluations under the leader-follower environment

Abstract

A group decision-making process is introduced by utilizing the influence model together with a matrix of interpersonal influences and an opinion matrix. The opinion matrix is constructed with the opinions/advice from one group of experts towards the other. Experts are divided into two groups, one which has more experienced, skilled and qualified persons is known as the group of opinion leaders and the other is known as the group of opinion followers. Sometimes, decision-makers are ordinary agents and their opinion formation is profoundly influenced by opinion leaders. The truthfulness of opinion leaders and the interpersonal influences of decision-makers is also taken into account. Also, a modified definition of trust score evaluation is presented with the understanding of the fact that the maximum trust which a decision-maker can do upon some opinion leader is his/her truthfulness. On the basis of this definition, a trust score matrix is constructed and the influence model is modified to take into account that matrix.