System dynamics: A methodology for testing dynamic behavioral hypotheses

The use of system dynamics as a methodology for modelling and testing dynamic behavioral hypotheses in organizational behavioral studies is presented. The system dynamics equivalent of March and Simon's motivation model is constructed to study its behavioral consequences. The dynamic behavior obtained from this approach is identical to the analytical solution of the system of differential equations given in March and Simon's mathematical model. Three distinctive patterns of system behavior emerge from the numerous experiments conducted with the model. Experimental results leading to these patterns and additional results concerning the time to reach equilibrium and levels for the satisfaction variable are discussed.