A splitting principle for group representations (Q1175300)

Let \(G\) be a compact Lie group. Suppose that \(V\) is a finite dimensional real, complex or symplectic representation of \(G\). Using the \(G\)-action on the projective space of \(V\), the author derives a natural, canonical formula which expresses \(V\), in the appropriate character group, in terms of induced representations. When \(G\) is finite and \(V\) is complex the author's formula coincides with that of \textit{R. Boltje} [Astérisque 181-182, 31-59 (1990; Zbl 0718.20005)]. The canonical form is applied to the construction of characteristic classes of representations.