Factors affecting group decision making: an insight on information practices by investigating decision making process among tactical Commanders

Introduction: Decision making though an important information use has not been vigorously researched in information practices research. By studying how decision makers make decision in groups, we can learn about several underlying issues in information practices.

Method: T20 middle-level (tactical) Commanders from blue light services in the UK were interviewed to share their experience on how and where they seek information from and how they make decisions while managing major incidents.

Analysis: Activity theory was used as an overarching framework to design interview questions and as an analysis framework.

Results: Information need and information practices such as information sharing and information use are investigated. A model of group decision making process and factors affecting group decision making is proposed.

Conclusions: By understanding factors affecting decision making, decision support system designers and policy makers can readdress the underlying issue. Moreover, this paper reiterates the need of studying decision making to understand information practices.