Decision Sciences Journal
Volume 28, Number 4
Fall 1997

The Significance of Information Systems Research on Emerging Technologies: Seven Information Technologies that Promise to Improve Managerial Effectiveness

Kenneth E. Kendall
School of Business-Camden, Rutgers University, Camden,
NJ 08102, email: kendallk@crab.rutgers.edu

ABSTRACT

Emerging information technologies are those excitingly novel advances that decision makers are just beginning to notice. These emerging products or processes may have been invented some time ago, but are only now beginning to reveal practical applications. This paper examines this collection of seven studies exploring emerging technologies, classifying them so the context of their results can be related to other emerging technologies. Once the research is classified and the contribution and managerial significance of the research is identified, it becomes apparent that certain barriers exist, holding back the technology from wider use and appreciation. Common obstacles include resistance to, or difficulty with, using the technology; uncertainty concerning the value of the technology; and the complexities involved with implementation. This paper concludes with recommendations for future research aimed at breaking down the barriers in order to move from the technological emergence phase to the technological sublime phase in which decision makers and other end users understand the technology, realize and appreciate its value, and put the technology to its best use.

Subject Areas: Decision Support Systems, Distributed Data Processing, End-User Computing, Executive Information Systems (EIS), Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS), Human/Computer Interaction, Hypermedia/Hypertext, Management Information Systems, Social Issues, Team Building, and Technology Management.