Complexity of Information Society Prevents Achievement of Satisfactory Decision Making
Complexity of Information Society Prevents Achievement of Satisfactory Decision Making

Summary/Abstract: Current society is characterised by increasing number of complex situations which require the prompt and efficient decisions. It has repeatedly been proved that humans confronted with complex situations fail to perform decision making at the desired level of quality. This study searches for understanding how the current information society influences decision making, which is not always as successful as we expect. The main research question of this paper aims at the identification of the factors limiting the outcomes of decision-making processes based on three case studies. The methodology includes the repetitive semi-structured interviews with domain experts and the consequent creation of three scenarios. The main finding, the set of characteristics of decision-making processes, is provided to consider more issues related to those situations and to eliminate their threats and bottlenecks. In addition to this, mutual relationships among characteristics are outlined with the help of the causal-loop diagram. Altogether, twelve characteristics of complex decision making typical for information society are identified in this study. This study reveals that due to growing complexity the decision-makers in the current information society have to deal with issues that are associated with the Law of Requisite Variety. This confirms that growing complexity of information flows represents an inevitable trait of the information society.

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