Manipulative imputations in a distributed decision support setting:the effects of information asymmetry and information aggregation complexity

According to earlier research, distributed decision support structures are susceptible to deception. We complement the existing works by analyzing group members' attempts to manipulate group decisions supported by distributed communications. Experimentally, we manipulated two systemic features of a distributed support structure: the members' information asymmetry and decision rule complexity. Both of these features refer to structural properties of aggregated information exchange. We confirmed several hypothesized effects: An increase in the information asymmetry in the aggregation of information increases the incidence of the members' manipulative tendency. It also increases the effectiveness of the members' manipulative imputations. However, the complexity of a decision rule negatively moderates both of these effects. We point out the theoretical relevance and managerial implications of our findings. We conclude that managing team members' information asymmetry and complexity of issues under their practical consideration may result in valuable disclosures

A sustainable community coalition conceptual framework for organisational stakeholders to manage alcohol misuse as a risk factor of HIV infection

Abstract in EnglishThe overall aim of this study was to construct and describe a conceptual framework that can serve as a frame of reference for organisational stakeholders to sustain a community coalition to manage alcohol misuse as a risk factor of HIV infection in a specific community in the North West Province, South Africa. A Participatory Action Research (PAR) design that was qualitative and theory generative in nature was followed in this study. A phased approach with specific objectives aligned to the PAR cycle, namely observe (Phase One), reflect (Phase Two), plan (Phase Three) and act (Phase Four), was followed. These phases were actualised through an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design, guided and theoretically influenced by critical theory. Data in Phase One were collected through 10 key informant interviews. Data were collected in Phases Two to Four through 10 dialogue meetings. Data collected in the four phases were used to construct and describe the conceptual framework that was evaluated by five experts in the field of mental health and substance misuse for refinement (Phase Five). Thematic data analyses was done to identify emerging themes. Key issues identified were that the community is characterised by fragile community coalitions that hamper the management of alcohol misuse as a risk factor of HIV infection. Factors to be considered to sustain the coalition were identified as sharing a common vision, promoting a trusting relationship, formalising the coalition, transformational leadership, strengthening organisational unity, and access to financial resources. This research adds knowledge in the field of mental health and substance misuse by providing a sustainable community coalition conceptual framework for organisational stakeholders to manage alcohol misuse as a risk factor of HIV infection. The conceptual framework could be used to inform policy, further research, education and improve practice in the field of mental health and substance misuse. Although the study was limited to a specific geographical area of a community in the North West Province, South Africa, the findings can be adapted to fit a specific setting.Health StudiesD Litt et Phil. (Health Studies

Supporting Trust Assessment and Decision Making in Coalitions

Modern multiorganizational coalitions can bring diverse sets of capabilities, assets, and information sources to bear on complex and dynamic operations. However, successfully completing these operations places demands on the trust between coalition partners. When it's necessary to rely on other partners, decision makers must be able to make rapid and effective trust assessments and decisions. Here, the authors focus on coalition information acquisition and discuss mechanisms for assessing trust and arriving at decisions about how to act when trust can be supplemented by controls. They also discuss future directions for these systems and highlight outstanding challenges

Supporting Trust Assessment and Decision Making in Coalitions

Modern multiorganizational coalitions can bring diverse sets of capabilities, assets, and information sources to bear on complex and dynamic operations. However, successfully completing these operations places demands on the trust between coalition partners. When it's necessary to rely on other partners, decision makers must be able to make rapid and effective trust assessments and decisions. Here, the authors focus on coalition information acquisition and discuss mechanisms for assessing trust and arriving at decisions about how to act when trust can be supplemented by controls. They also discuss future directions for these systems and highlight outstanding challenges