The availability of IT resources enhances managers' independence rather than making them dependent on internal information. It provides access to both internal and external sources of information, facilitating better decision-making.
Here's how IT resources foster manager independence:
1. Access to External Information:
- IT systems and the internet provide real-time access to external data, news, market trends, and industry reports.
- Managers can gather information from various sources, including websites, databases, and industry publications, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business environment.
2. Enhanced Data Analysis:
- IT tools like data analytics software, spreadsheets, and visualization tools help managers analyze internal and external data more effectively.
- This enables them to identify patterns, trends, and insights that may not be apparent through manual analysis.
3. Integration of Internal and External Data:
- IT systems can integrate data from multiple internal sources (e.g., ERP, CRM) with external information (e.g., market research reports, customer feedback).
- This integrated view provides managers with a holistic understanding of the organization and its external context.
4. Collaboration and Information Sharing:
- IT platforms like enterprise social networks and instant messaging tools facilitate collaboration among team members and cross-functional departments.
- Managers can share insights, knowledge, and perspectives gained from both internal and external sources, fostering innovation and data-driven decision-making.
5. Real-Time Information Delivery:
- IT systems deliver real-time updates and alerts on key performance indicators, market events, and customer feedback.
- This timely information enables managers to respond quickly to changes and make informed decisions.
Impact on Business Judgment:
- The availability of IT resources does not diminish the value of business judgment. Instead, it complements and enhances it.
- Managers can use IT-derived insights to develop hypotheses, refine their decision-making process, and reduce cognitive biases.
- By considering both internal and external information, managers can make more objective and well-rounded decisions.
In conclusion, the availability of IT resources fosters manager independence by providing access to both internal and external information, enabling enhanced data analysis, facilitating collaboration, and delivering real-time updates. This allows managers to make more informed and data-driven decisions, while still valuing business judgment and external perspectives.