The impact of information and communication technologies on the strategic decision making process

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between an organization's decision making process and its use of information and communication technologies. The research question addressed in this paper is, "given that information and communication technologies impact the use and communication of information, and given that effective strategy formulation depends upon the manner in which information is shared and communicated, then does an organization's use of information and communication technologies have an impact on its process of strategy formulation, and if so how?" Comparative case studies were utilized to address this question. A series of R&D-dependent, high growth companies were reviewed to determine their detailed strategic decision making processes and their processes were compared among firms utilizing networked desk-top computers to either a high or low degree. The findings from the case study are that networked desk-top computers were utilized in a noteworthy manner in strategy formulation and implementation process in only one of the same base companies. In other sample base firms, networked desk-top computers were not utilized to a noteworthy degree in the strategic management process.