Harmonics on posets

Given a finite ranked poset P, for each rank of P a space of complex valued functions on P called harmonics is defined. If the automorphism group G of P is sufficiently rich, these harmonic spaces yield irreducible representations of G. A decomposition theorem, which is analogous to the decomposition theorem for spherical harmonics, is stated. It is also shown that P can always be decomposed into posets whose principal harmonics are orthogonal polynomials. Classical examples are given.