How do online social networks support decision making? A pluralistic research agenda

Recently Online Social Communities and Networks (OSNs) have become widely popular as a source of data or reference for those seeking advice. Using an OSN can potentially enhance or degrade the DM process for both individuals and communities through the accessing of data from multiple sources. While ample independent research into OSN and DM exists, there is a lack of research into how online technology affects the making of decisions that have an impact on our lives. The synergy of these themes provides a unique perspective for research into DM in OSN. This paper proposes a pluralistic research agenda that interviews qualitative (exploratory) and quantitative (explanatory) approaches. In particular, we propose using netnography, surveys and interviews to discover the potential utilisation of OSNs as a support tool for the DM process.

[1]  Denise J. Luethge,et al.  Toward an integrated framework for online consumer behavior and decision making process: A review , 2010 .

[2]  T. Jick.  Mixing Qualitative and Quantitative Methods: Triangulation in Action. , 1979 .

[3]  John Mingers,et al.  Multimethodology: Towards a framework for mixing methodologies , 1997 .

[4]  C. Hardy,et al.  Discourse Analysis: Investigating Processes of Social Construction , 2002 .

[5]  Jay F. Nunamaker,et al.  Systems Development in Information Systems Research , 1990, J. Manag. Inf. Syst..

[6]  Sandra Streukens,et al.  Service innovation and electronic word‐of‐mouth: is it worth listening to? , 2009 .

[7]  H. Simon,et al.  Theories of Decision-Making in Economics and Behavioural Science , 1966 .

[8]  Richard A. Harshman,et al.  Foundations of the PARAFAC procedure: Models and conditions for an "explanatory" multi-model factor analysis , 1970 .

[9]  Michael D. Myers,et al.  Investigating Information Systems with Ethnographic Research , 1999, Commun. Assoc. Inf. Syst..

[10]  Alan R. Hevner,et al.  Design Science in Information Systems Research , 2004, MIS Q..

[11]  E.,et al.  ETHNOGRAPHY IN / OF THE WORLD SYSTEM : The Emergence of Multi-Sited Ethnography , 2002 .

[12]  G. Williamson.  The Sage Dictionary of Social Research Methods , 2007 .

[13]  P. M. Hendryx-Bedalov,et al.  Ethnography , 1998 .

[14]  R. Kozinets.  The Field behind the Screen: Using Netnography for Marketing Research in Online Communities , 2002 .

[15]  Cynthia M. Webster,et al.  Word-Of-Mouth Communications: a Motivational Analysis , 1998 .

[16]  Katie J. Ward,et al.  Cyber-ethnography and the emergence of the virtually new community , 1999, J. Inf. Technol..

[17]  Bonnie Kaplan,et al.  Qualitative Research Methods for Evaluating Computer Information Systems , 2005 .

[18]  Adalbert Mayer,et al.  Online social networks in economics , 2009, Decis. Support Syst..

[19]  Lascelles Adams,et al.  Achieving relevance in IS research via the DAGS framework , 2004, 37th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 2004. Proceedings of the.

[20]  J. Chatwin.  Conversation analysis. , 2004, Complementary therapies in medicine.

[21]  K. Barriball,et al.  Collecting data using a semi-structured interview: a discussion paper. , 1994, Journal of advanced nursing.

[22]  Michael D. Myers,et al.  A Set of Principles for Conducting and Evaluating Interpretive Field Studies in Information Systems , 1999, MIS Q..

[23]  Martin Bichler,et al.  Design science in information systems research , 2006, Wirtschaftsinf..

[24]  Linda A. Wood,et al.  Doing Discourse Analysis: Methods for Studying Action in Talk and Text , 2000 .