Group Placement Ranking Strategy? Should I Game Theory It?

Is there some game theory to it? For example, if the matching system tries to minimize the overall ranking numbers (more 1st and 2nd choices, fewer 5th and 6th choices), would it be wise to put your first choice first but then put a bunch of groups you don’t want afterwards to try to ensure you get your first choice?

Assuming my top choices will rank me high, I’m afraid that my first choice (by far) will be desired by everyone while my other top choices are among the less desirable groups. In that case, the algorithm might end up giving someone else my first choice and giving me my second since a 1st choice for the other person and a 2nd choice outcome for me would be “better” than giving me my first 1st choice while giving some other person their 7th choice. See where I’m coming from?

So should I just do my rankings honestly, or should I try to game the system, which could be risky?

5 Comments
 

I tried Game Theory with my choices and ended up with none of my choices.

Best to not overthink it and actually rank in the order of your preference.

 

I'd disagree with the other responders and say there is a fair amount of gamesmanship in the group placement process, at least there was for me. The main advice I'd give is to avoid ranking "less desireable" groups in your top 3-5 unless you truly want to be placed there. Some groups tend to get little interest and HR is stuck with forcing the people who put them as their 4th choice into them.

 

Oh damn. Well there’s this one group I’ve been telling is one of my top choices, but it might be a weaker group that fewer people want. I feel like it’d be better to rank them lower if I want to get my top choice, but I’d feel dirty doing so.

Do groups get to see how you ranked them?

 

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