Information Technology

Good Intuition or Fear and Uncertainty: The Effects of Bias on Information Systems Selection Decisions

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IS selection decisions are traditionally viewed through a techno-rationalist lens; however, it is
clear that numerous biases affect the decision makers. In this paper, we have categorised common
types of biases into four groups. Firstly, information biases distort information and how it is
weighted. Secondly, cognitive biases are “games” decision makers play to simplify information
processing. Thirdly, risk biases distort the way information is used in order to minimise risk. Finally,
uncertainty biases act to reduce the uncertainty surrounding decisions. In this paper, we
have developed a framework for conceptualising how these biases interact and affect decisions.
After introducing the framework, we use it to examine specific Information Systems acquisition
decisions in two organisations. The first organisation is a not-for-profit Australian health and
aged care group that purchased a Patient Management System. The second organisation is an
Australian higher education institution that purchased an Enterprise Resource Planning system.
The paper concludes that the framework is useful; however context has an important role in determining
the effects of bias on decision outcomes.

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Series Title

Good Intuition or Fear and Uncertainty: The Effects of Bias on Information Systems Selection Decisions

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Publisher

: Informing Science Journal., 2006

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Language

English

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NONE

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Subject(s)

I.T

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