Anushka:

As managers use computers often, they will be able to make more rational decisions. how come?As managers use computers and software tools more often, they will be able to make more rational decisions. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

Answer By jerry w:
1. Disagree purpose Rational: wise, balanced, sensible, Reasonable, Clear, logical, sane, And

Computers can help to provide managers with better information. If this information is used properly, it can allow managers to make better decisions. Better decisions based on whatever goals the manager is trying to accomplish. But the possibility of better decisions has nothing to do with rationality. Rationality involves using the information available more wisely. Having more information available has nothing to do with making wise decisions based on the available information. In economics, the assumption of rational decision making is defined in terms of using the information that is available at any given point in time. More information has nothing to do with this definition. A rational decision can be made with a low level of information. When more information is learned, then the decision may change based on new information, but that doesn't make the new decision more rational than the first. Both can be equally "rational" decisions.
Answer 2 Students should realize that technology helps decision making; it doesnt make decisions. The human factorhidden agendas, power relationships, office politics, etc., will still be present. Students should tie their answer into the characteristics of the technology however. The electronic meeting blends the nominal group technique with computer technology. Up to fifty people sit around a horseshoe-shaped table that is empty except for a series of computer terminals. Issues are presented to participants, who type their responses onto their computer screens. Individual comments, as well as aggregate votes, are displayed on a projection screen in the room. The major advantages of electronic meetings are anonymity, honesty, and speed. Participants can anonymously type any message they want, and it will flash on the screen for all to see at the push of a key. It is fast--chitchat is eliminated, discussions do not digress, and many participants can "talk" at once without interrupting the others. But there are drawbacks. Those who can type quickly can outshine those who may be verbally eloquent but are lousy typists. Those with the best ideas don't get credit for them. The process lacks the informational richness of face-to-face oral communication.

3. At this point, this question is old news. Hardly anyone is left out there who does not use computer software and tools, and have not been for nearly 20 years. I therefore disagree. What you need to do now is isolate the dysfunctional and unintended behaviors

that systems and statistical models create when used mindlessly and taken for granted because they are second nature. 4. Computers have nothing to do with rationality. Computers are tools and can help make understanding a situation easier, but it still takes a clear understanding to reach a rational conclusion. Therefore this is not a very sound argument.