Just knowing you do it: The unacknowledged role of social influence on decision-making
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2019 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | Scientific Conference of Business Economics Management and Marketing |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Keywords | decision-making; social influence; behavioral factors; expert advice |
| Description | Social proof, isomorphism, imitation, or vicarious learning – these are just some examples of terms used to describe the powerful role of social influence on decision-making. However, while powerful, it is often unacknowledged. Be the reasons conscious (“I don’t want to tell you”) or unconscious (“I am not influenced by others”), social influence needs to have a prominent role in the research on organizational decision-making. In this study, we summarize some of the theoretical perspectives on the role of social influence in decision-making. Then, we provide a case study illustrating its effects and its unacknowledgement by decision-makers. Combining these two parts, we aim to highlight the need to carefully assess possible social influence in further studies of decision-making, regardless of narratives we obtain from individual decision-makers. |