The impact of sentiment on the collaboration between prefabricated building construction enterprises and internet platforms: a MA-RDEU evolutionary game model

Purpose During the cooperation process between prefabricated building construction enterprises (PBCEs) and Internet platforms (IPs), the sentiments of both parties influence their behavioral strategies. They are the key to improving the informatization and operational efficiency of the prefabricated building industry chain (PBIC). Design/methodology/approach This paper introduces mental accounting theory and rank-dependent expected utility theory to construct the MA-RDEU game model, exploring the evolutionary mechanism between sentiment and behavioral strategies of PBCEs and IPs. Findings The study indicates that (1) a mixed strategy equilibrium can be achieved when both parties have no sentiments. (2) PBCEs and IPs are more likely to achieve an optimal equilibrium for cooperation if the latter is optimistic. In contrast, pessimism may lead both parties to prioritize self-interest when only one party has a sentiment. (3) The combined impact of sentiments and behavioral strategies on decision-making is significant: the influence of sentiments from PBCEs or IPs on the optimal strategy for achieving cooperation is contingent upon the behavioral strategies of the other party; different behavioral strategies of IPs or PBCEs can have varying effects on sentiments when both parties have sentiments. (4) The influence of external factors on the sentiments and behavior strategies of PBCEs and IPs is apparent. PBCEs and IPs should concurrently consider the combined influence of external factors and sentiments to contribute to the realization of cooperation between the two parties. Additionally, government supervision is an effective means to restrain “free-riding” behavior. Originality/value Finally, based on the above conclusions, the paper proposes measures to improve the construction of service-oriented IPs and establish a mechanism for monitoring and adjusting risk sentiments. Meanwhile, this paper also indicates that under the combined effect of the government, PBCEs and IPs, the influence of external factors on sentiments can be maintained within a controllable scope and the risks of uncertainty can be mitigated.