The acceptance of visual information in management

An exploratory study resulting in a theory of acceptance of visual information is outlined, which employs the results of an empirical investigation conducted amongst managers.

Abstract

Developments in information and communication technologies have considerably enhanced the generation of management information. Thus, managers are confronted with an increasing flood of information, which appears to be more than managers are able or willing to process. Visualising information offers one efficient and effective way to confront this problem without limiting it's quantity. However, successful application of visualised information requires its acceptance by the manager. This paper outlines an exploratory study resulting in a theory of acceptance of visual information. It employs the results of an empirical investigation conducted amongst managers. Variables influencing acceptance have been categorised into five factors that are subsequently used to discriminate three types amongst the group concerned.