Computers and commitment to a public management decision: An experiment

Barry Bozeman, R. F. Shangraw

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Based on results of an experiment, hypotheses are tested concerning the effects of computer use on decision commitment. The experiment required subjects to make an adoption decision regarding a hypothetical government agency's innovation. Subjects could choose from a variety of information sets, some computer based, some not, before making the decision. After their decision the subjects were given "new evidence" that contradicted their initial position. Two experimental treatments included more difficult access to the computer-based information and higher cost for the computer-based information. Results indicate that access difficulty diminishes confidence in decisions and leads to lesser commitment. However, the cost of the computer information seems to have little bearing on decision commitment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)42-56
Number of pages15
JournalKnowledge in Society
Volume2
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 1989
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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