The Relative Importance of Computer-Mediated Information Versus Conventional Non-Computer-Mediated Information in Public Managerial Decision Making

This study explores the relevance of computer-mediated information to organizational decision making in today’s state and local government agencies. It examines the extent to which computer-mediated information is available to, and utilized by, organizational decision makers when compared to more conventional information media such as formal upper-management directives, person-to-person conversations, or personal knowledge. Findings suggest that computer-mediated information plays an important role in organizational decision making, even though its utilization is perceived to be less than its availability. Managers reported using computer-mediated information across various decision situations (routine, nonroutine, high risk, and low risk), with varying emphasis. The study also reveals that in spite of the pervasiveness of information technology, managers today still rely on their personal knowledge for organizational decision making more than they do on any other information media, including computer-mediated information. The paper concludes with a discussion of how these findings shed light on our understanding of the appropriate role of computer-mediated information in managerial decision making and on the direction of our future research.