A Social Value-Based Weighting Approach for Advanced Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods

Purpose:
This study aims to address a key gap in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods—namely, their limited incorporation of social and cultural values. While MCDM is widely used for solving complex problems involving multiple, often conflicting criteria, most existing weighting techniques rely mainly on quantitative data or subjective judgments. This research seeks to develop a framework that integrates social values into the weighting process to enhance the alignment of decisions with societal expectations.

Design/Methodology/Approach:
The study proposes a new framework termed Social Value-Based Weighting (SVBW). In this approach, baseline weights are first derived using any classical weighting method (subjective, objective, or hybrid). These baseline weights are then adjusted through a Social Priority Index, which reflects the degree to which each criterion aligns with selected social values. Values incorporated into the index include justice, public interest, resource efficiency, harm prevention, and religious democracy. The model is designed to be compatible with any existing MCDM technique, and the strength of value-based adjustments can be customized using flexible parameters. A numerical example and sensitivity analysis are used to evaluate the model’s behavior and implications.

Findings:
Results from the numerical example and sensitivity analysis demonstrate that integrating a social value layer into the weighting process does not fundamentally change final rankings but significantly enhances the transparency of the decision-making logic. More importantly, it increases the social acceptability of outcomes by explicitly reflecting societal value priorities. The findings highlight the potential of SVBW to reconcile technical decision-making processes with normative public expectations.

Practical Implications:
The proposed framework offers wide applicability in areas such as public policy, resource management, investment decisions, and organizational planning. By embedding social values into traditional MCDM procedures, SVBW provides decision-makers with a more socially grounded and context-sensitive tool.

Originality/Value:
This study contributes a novel conceptual bridge between quantitative decision analysis and social value considerations. The SVBW framework lays the foundation for developing context-specific, socially embedded MCDM approaches that enhance both technical rigor and societal legitimacy.