Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/16757
Title: Big data, big decisions: The impact of big data on board level decision-making
Authors: Merendino, A
Dibb, S
Meadows, M
Quinn, L
Wilson, D
Simkin, L
Canhoto, AI
Keywords: boards;directors;big data;knowledge-based view;capabilities;decision making
Issue Date: 1-Sep-2018
Publisher: Elsevier
Citation: Merendino, A. et al,. (2018) 'Big data, big decisions: The impact of big data on board level decision-making', Journal of Business Research, 93, pp. 67 - 78. doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.08.029,
Abstract: Big Data (BD) has the potential to ‘disrupt’ the senior management of organisations, prompting directors to make decisions more rapidly and to shape their capabilities to address environmental changes. This paper explores whether, how and to what extent BD has disrupted the process of board level decision-making. Drawing upon both the knowledge-based view, and cognitive and dynamic capabilities, we undertook in-depth interviews with directors involved in high-level strategic decision-making. Our data reveal important findings in three areas. First, we find evidence of a shortfall in cognitive capabilities in relation to BD, and issues with cognitive biases and cognitive overload. Second, we reveal the challenges to board cohesion presented by BD. Finally, we show how BD impacts on responsibility/control within senior teams. This study points to areas for development at three levels of our analysis: individual directors, the board, and a broader view of the organisation with its external stakeholders.
Big Data (BD) has the potential to ‘disrupt’ the senior management of organisations, prompting directors to make decisions more rapidly and to shape their capabilities to address environmental changes. This paper explores whether, how and to what extent BD has disrupted the process of board level decision-making. Drawing upon both the knowledge-based view, and cognitive and dynamic capabilities, we undertook in-depth interviews with directors involved in high-level strategic decision-making. Our data reveal important findings in three areas. First, we find evidence of a shortfall in cognitive capabilities in relation to BD, and issues with cognitive biases and cognitive overload. Second, we reveal the challenges to board cohesion presented by BD. Finally, we show how BD impacts on responsibility/control within senior teams. This study points to areas for development at three levels of our analysis: individual directors, the board, and a broader view of the organisation with its external stakeholders.
URI: https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/16757
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.08.029
ISSN: 0148-2963
Other Identifiers: ORCID iD: Ana Canhoto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1623-611X
Appears in Collections:Brunel Business School Research Papers

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