Media usage and velocity in executive information acquisition: an exploratory study

Abstract

This paper reports on a field study that addresses three important dimensions of information use in decision making: (1) how combinations of information source and medium change over time as executive decision-making processes unfold; (2) how the rate of information acquisition affects media selection; and (3) how media usage patterns feed into and out of meetings. The findings extend the integrated literature of information acquisition and decision making, introduce the notion that the velocity of information acquisition influences media selection during the decision-making process, and expand the understanding of executive information gathering in the practice of business. The authors identify potential applications for information systems practice and raise critical issues to help focus future research.