  Emergent effects can arise in multi-agent systems (MAS) where execution is
decentralized and reliant on local information. These effects may range from
minor deviations in behavior to catastrophic system failures. To formally
define these effects, we identify misalignments between the global inherent
specification (the true specification) and its local approximation (such as the
configuration of different reward components or observations). Using
established safety terminology, we develop a framework to understand these
emergent effects. To showcase the resulting implications, we use two broadly
configurable exemplary gridworld scenarios, where insufficient specification
leads to unintended behavior deviations when derived independently. Recognizing
that a global adaptation might not always be feasible, we propose adjusting the
underlying parameterizations to mitigate these issues, thereby improving the
system's alignment and reducing the risk of emergent failures.
