Microfoundations of Adaptive Search in Complex Tasks: The Role of Cognitive Abilities and Styles

2023 | Organization Science | Citations: 1

Authors: Bergenholtz, Carsten; Vuculescu, Oana; Amidi, Ali

Abstract: Problem-solving in complex environments requires a cognitively demanding search ... Expand

Abstract: Problem-solving in complex environments requires a cognitively demanding search for task solutions. Managing this search process presents a major challenge in organizations. We contribute to the literature on this topic by providing new evidence on the cognitive antecedents that shape how individuals search when engaged in complex problem-solving tasks. We present results from three laboratory studies, wherein 335 individuals solved a complex task. In doing so, they generated behavioral data coupled with survey-based measurements of the individuals’ cognitive styles and performance-based tests of their cognitive abilities. Our data analysis contributes to the current literature by documenting systematic heterogeneity in the persistence and distance of search that can be explained by the participants’ level of creativity, attention to detail, and executive functions. We extend the research on the microfoundations of adaptive search by linking cognitive antecedents with a complex search task, widening our insight into what search behavior certain cognitive microfoundations lead to, and showing how managers can more effectively shape organizational search.History: This paper has been accepted for the Organization Science Special Issue on Experiments in Organizational Theory.Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2023.1654. Collapse

Topics: decision making logistics management problem solving anonymity competitive advantage

Methods: laboratory experiment survey qualitative interview experimental task generalized linear model

Theories: ambidexterity theory

Influencing the Influencers? The Case of @CelebJets and the Role of Social Media in Empowering Citizens to Conduct Climate Justice Activism

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Berney, Manon; Ondrus, Jan; Holzer, Adrian

Abstract: Online climate change activism is growing. However, its effectiveness is not ye ... Expand

Abstract: Online climate change activism is growing. However, its effectiveness is not yet firmly established. One of the challenges is for citizens to make sense of the vast amount of data to understand the impact of specific behaviors. The aggregation of publicly available information in a comprehensible and playful manner could potentially trigger effective evidence-based activism. However, it is not yet clear if and how such an intervention works. In this paper, we make a preliminary analysis of a use case of such an approach by investigating the @CelebJets phenomena, which automatically tracks and shares the private jet flights of celebrities on Twitter. Our analysis demonstrates that this approach can elicit user engagement and provide pertinent material for the press, potentially leading to a shift in behavior, particularly among celebrities who are promoting sustainability. Collapse

Topics: Twitter application programming interface social media climate change Wikipedia

Methods: case study regression analysis method parametric test descriptive statistic field experiment

Network Centralization and Collective Adaptability to a Shifting Environment

2023 | Organization Science | Citations: 1

Authors: Bernstein, Ethan S.; Shore, Jesse C.; Jang, Alice J.

Abstract: We study the connection between communication network structure and an organizat ... Expand

Abstract: We study the connection between communication network structure and an organization’s collective adaptability to a shifting environment. Research has shown that network centralization—the degree to which communication flows disproportionately through one or more members of the organization rather than being more equally distributed—interferes with collective problem-solving by obstructing the integration of existing ideas, information, and solutions in the network. We hypothesize that the mechanisms responsible for that poor integration of ideas, information, and solutions would nevertheless prove beneficial for problems requiring adaptation to a shifting environment. We conducted a 1,620-subject randomized online laboratory experiment, testing the effect of seven network structures on problem-solving success. To simulate a shifting environment, we designed a murder mystery task and manipulated when each piece of information could be found: early information encouraged an inferior consensus, requiring a collective shift of solution after more information emerged. We find that when the communication network within an organization is more centralized, it achieves the benefits of connectivity (spread of novel better solutions) without the costs (getting stuck on an existing inferior solution). We also find, however, that these benefits of centralization only materialize in networks with two-way flow of information and not when information only flows from the center of the network outward (as can occur in hierarchical structures or digitally mediated communication). We draw on these findings to reconceptualize theory on the impact of centralization—and how it affects conformity pressure (lock-in) and awareness of diverse ideas (learning)—on collective problem-solving that demands adaptation.History: This paper has been accepted for the Organization Science Special Issue on Experiments in Organizational Theory.Funding: The authors acknowledge financial support from the Division of Research at the Harvard Business School for making this research possible. Collapse

Topics: social influence problem solving internet technology social network debugging

Methods: experiment machine learning simulation Poisson regression logistic regression

Theories: organizational theory

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Digital Government: Narrowing the Divides

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Bertot, J.; Lazar, J.; Barbosa, S.

Abstract: ... Expand

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Topics: digital divide technology adoption pandemic information system use government system

Methods: literature study cross sectional research

Theorizing Organizational Benevolence

2023 | Organization Science | Citations: 0

Authors: Beveridge, ‘Alim J.; Höllerer, Markus A.

Abstract: We extend research on stakeholder orientation by introducing and conceptualizing ... Expand

Abstract: We extend research on stakeholder orientation by introducing and conceptualizing “organizational benevolence”—a notion that refers to a firm’s inclination to pursue the welfare of an external stakeholder group as an end in itself manifested in a behavioral tendency in which benefiting the “other” is the ultimate goal of action. Employing a microfoundational approach, we propose a theoretical framework and a process model that explain how firms develop such a posture and how it eventually can become an enduring feature of these organizations. We build our framework on the core notion of collective commitment to the well-being of an external constituency by elaborating on the processes through which such collective commitment is mobilized, translated into collective intention, and stabilized in a behavioral tendency. Our article develops several propositions highlighting the crucial roles that emotionality and rhetoric play in these processes, alongside an enabling sociocognitive infrastructure. Overall, our work goes substantially beyond current theorizing and provides a detailed account for why some firms not founded with a prosocial mission nonetheless act consistently to benefit an external constituency in the absence of instrumental reasons to do so. Collapse

Methods: theory development business process modeling

Theories: stakeholder theory organizational theory

Revealing Hidden Self-financed Wash Trading in Non-Fungible-Token Markets

2023 | International Conference on Business Informatics | Citations: 0

Authors: Beyer, Henri; Seidel, Patrick; Stahlmann, Sven; Schoder, Detlef

Abstract: Pricing and sales volumes for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have seen a meteoric r ... Expand

Abstract: Pricing and sales volumes for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have seen a meteoric rise and fall in recent years. Partially because of a loss of faith in the true values of NFT assets. Wash trading has emerged to artificially inflate asset prices and trading volumes of NFTs. This not only endangers the integrity of NFT markets but also raises doubts about the authenticity of NFT values. Previous research has identified wash trading actors with techniques such as cyclical trading. Many of the presented techniques, however, can be associated with flaws concerning obviousness or feasibility with constrained capital resources. We propose a method to identify a more intricate and concealed form of wash trading called self-financed trading. Our approach identifies suspicious activities by tracking cash and asset flows between blockchain addresses. This enables us to reveal networks of wash trading designed to reap marketplace rewards or insinuate demand to drive up prices. Collapse

Topics: Ethereum blockchain application programming interface database system

Cybersecurity Awareness and Adaptive Behavior: Does Prior Exposure Lead to Adaptive Behavior?

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Bhagat, Sarbottam; Pravin, Dipakkumar

Abstract: We adopt and use technology almost as fast as it comes into existence, however, ... Expand

Abstract: We adopt and use technology almost as fast as it comes into existence, however, our mental models and intuitions advance at a much slower pace to the vulnerabilities and threats that come with new technologies. This creates an opportunity for perpetrators to take advantage of the cyber citizens. It is common knowledge that human beings will remain as the ultimate defense (or the final firewall) of cyber assets, and yet they are most vulnerable to a variety of cyber-attacks. Considering these assertions, this research aims to explain whether knowledge and experience build the necessary awareness that leads to action. The proposed model expands on the Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior model to explore the role of prior cybersecurity training, incidents, awareness, and attitude towards cybersecurity education in individuals' adaptive behaviors given cybersecurity risks. The findings could inform the academic community and policymakers on creating effective cybersecurity awareness programs to promote cyber hygiene in today's digital world. Collapse

Topics: IT security cybersecurity awareness information system use

Multi-Device Consumption of Digital Goods: Optimal Product Line Design with Bundling

2023 | Journal of Management Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Bhargava, Hemant K.

Abstract: A contemporary business challenge for bundling theory is the distribution of dig ... Expand

Abstract: A contemporary business challenge for bundling theory is the distribution of digital content such as media, entertainment, software, and other information goods. Consumers can use a number of devices to interact with software, online services, music, video, news, and other forms of digital content. For instance, Netflix videos and Kindle ebooks, initially accessed only on television sets and computers, respectively, are now also consumed on smartphones and tablets. Print products are now distributed and consumed both in print and digitally. Firms offer product line designs that include prices for single device access as also bundle discounts for multi-device access, so that consumers can choose a device or even multiple devices. This paper provides guidelines regarding such multi-device product line design and pricing. A starting point is to note that there are many ways to practice bundling, from offering prices for single-device consumption as well as a bundle discount (mixed bundling), to forcing multi-device prices (pure bundling), and designs in between (partial bundling). Picking the best design, and associated prices, is a complex problem due to how single-device demand functions relate to multi-device demand. Recognizing that some dual-device purchases can occur even when there is no bundle discount, the paper develops intuition around the net gain or loss incurred from giving a bundle discount to entice single-device access buyers to dual sales. One surprising finding is that inducing dual sales through bundle discounts can be profitable even when intent to consume multiple times is quite weak, because in this case dual sales would not occur organically. Less surprisingly, such inducement is also profitable when multi-consumption intent is strong, and least attractive when the intent is moderate. When one of the devices is an emerging one or has weak own demand in the short term, then it can be useful to offer a partial bundle, tying sales for the stronger device into a bundle comprising access to both devices. When device valuations are such that consumers generally agree on the rank-ordering of the devices (e.g., if a location-based app offers greater value on a smartphone than on a tablet), then it is best to employ some type of bundling, unless the intent for multi-device consumption is proportionally lower among low-value consumers than for high-value consumers. Collapse

Topics: video game information good price management business model vertical differentiation

Methods: mathematical model theoretical contribution

Great Divisions: The Evolution of Polarization During the Man-made Emergency of January 6, 2021

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Bhatt, P.; Vemprala, N.; Valecha, R.; Hariharan, G.; Rao, H.

Abstract: Polarization, which refers to the formation of opposing groups based on peoples ... Expand

Abstract: Polarization, which refers to the formation of opposing groups based on peoples' beliefs and opinions, is a phenomenon that has existed for eons. However, in the recent past, social media has caused a quantum change in the dynamics of polarization since beliefs may change almost instantaneously on social media because of unfolding events. We investigate social media communication that has resulted in polarized opinions among individuals prior to, during, and after a crisis event; the January 6th US Capitol riots. Analyses of the dominant narratives on Twitter surrounding the incident reveal a high level of polarization throughout the unfolding of the event, with increased polarization possibly attributable to the onset of the crisis. We also observe the evolution of the phenomenon: as the event unfolds, polarization changes. We suggest that understanding the evolution of polarization is important for timely crisis resolution by crisis managers. We utilize three measures, spread, distinctness and regionalization, to examine polarization during a crisis. Based on these measures our findings indicate that social media discussions exhibit an increase in the negative sentiment during the crisis as compared to precrisis, but there is a rebound in terms of positive sentiments emerging in the post crisis period. Also, the results signal reduced diversity in discussion topics during the crisis as compared to pre and post-crisis. Collapse

Topics: social media Twitter terrorist incident artificial intelligence application programming interface

Methods: topic model longitudinal research qualitative content analysis longitudinal survey cluster analysis

User Privacy, Surveillance and Public Health during COVID-19 – An Examination of Twitterverse

2023 | Information Systems Frontiers | Citations: 0

Authors: Bhatt, Paras; Vemprala, Naga; Valecha, Rohit; Hariharan, Govind; Rao, H. Raghav

Abstract: Online users frequently rely on social networking platforms to transmit public c ... Expand

Abstract: Online users frequently rely on social networking platforms to transmit public concerns and raise awareness about societal issues. With many government organizations actively employing social media data in recent times, the need for processing public concerns on social media has become a critical topic of interest across academic scholars and practitioners. However, the growing volume of social media data makes it difficult to process all the issues under a single umbrella, causing to overlook the main topic of interest within communication technologies, such as privacy. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguments on privacy and health issues exploded on Twitter, with several threads centered on contact tracking, health data gathering, and its usage by government agencies. To address the challenges of rising data volumes and to understand the importance of privacy concerns, particularly among users seeking greater privacy protection during this pandemic, we conduct a focused empirical analysis of user tweets about privacy. In this two-part research, our first study reveals three macro privacy issues of discussion distilled from the Twitter corpus, subsequently subdivided into 12 user privacy categories. The second study builds on the findings of the first study, focusing on the primary difficulties highlighted in the macro privacy subjects—contact tracing and digital surveillance. Using a document clustering approach, we present implications for the focal privacy topics that policymakers, agencies, and governments should consider for offering better privacy protections and help the community rebuild. Collapse

Topics: privacy Twitter social media pandemic information privacy concern

Methods: topic model qualitative content analysis cluster analysis hierarchical clustering Gensim