Title: Software agents and virtual organisations: consent and trust

Authors: Francisco Andrade, Paulo Novais, Jose Machado, Jose Neves

Addresses: Escola de Direito, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal. ' Departamento de Informatica/CCTC, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal. ' Departamento de Informatica/CCTC, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal. ' Departamento de Informatica/CCTC, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal

Abstract: The use of software agents in electronic commerce scenarios must be connected to the existence of corporate bodies and virtual organisations. Indeed, software agents tend to play a determinant role in corporate bodies and Virtual Enterprises (VEs). However, it must be considered that software agents| behaviours are not entirely foreseeable, since they are able to behave with good or bad faith. Thus, it is of utmost relevance to consider the issue of trust in software agents, both at the individual and systemic level. At the systemic level, it will be interesting to consider smart contracts, which may well enhance trust in electronic contracting.

Keywords: software agents; virtual organisations; trust; good faith; smart contracts; electronic commerce; e-commerce; corporate bodies; electronic contracts; e-contracts; systemic levels; consent; services management; operations management; knowledge management; KM; collaborative networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2010.031958

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2010 Vol.6 No.3, pp.352 - 361

Published online: 03 Mar 2010 *

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