The use of technology to support group decision-making in South Africa

Abstract

This research provides some qualitative insights into the prevalence and use of technologies to support decision-making in South Africa. The paper focuses on two hypotheses: firstly, that decision support technology is not yet being used sufficiently within South African companies to yield significant benefits; and secondly, that such technology as is being used, is limited mainly to "communications enabling" rather than "decision support" tools. Data was obtained from senior business managers regarding their usage of technology to support decision-making, as well as the perceived benefits gained from its use. Further questions were included to collect information about their experiences of meetings and group decision-making. Although the results of the study were not conclusive, the data appeared to support the hypotheses under investigation.