This thesis aims to investigate information processing and decision making in organizations. The overall perspective is dedicated to explore initiatives that managers could use in order to improve information processing and decision making in their organizations. I start by a theoretical overview of the literature and research in the field of information processing and decision making. Then, I proceed, thanks to a case study, to an analysis of a tax administration. Theories will inform comparison and help the reflective analysis concerning the work processes. Finally, I will suggest ideas for change and possibilities of adaptation. The literature review, as well as the case study, indicates multiple relevant aspects to the analysis of information processing and decision making. For example: quantitative analytical techniques, cognitive aspects, the conception of knowledge workers, individual and group work, leadership, the impact of technology, organizational model, continuous learning, and others. Organizational model has to taken into account individual careers and technological developments which put central emphasis on information processes and decision making. Information processing and decision making are important part of the normal functioning of bureaucracies, both private and public. Information processing and decision making can not be simply considered as a commodity: they imply to consider the organizational work to be both technical activity as a social one. An appropriate atmosphere is important for every organization – where should dominate trust, open communication, interaction and negotiation…
Contents
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1. Context of research
1.2. Research problem
1.3. Structure of the thesis
1.4. Review of the literature
1.5. Limitations
Chapter Two: Organizations in the 21st Century
2.1. Background
2.2. Strategic thinking
2.2.1. The “value chain”
2.2.2. The five forces model
2.2.3. Porter’s model of competitive advantage
2.3. New ideas for a new context
2.4. Public institutions: a critical review of the idea of competition
Chapter Three: Organizational Model and Information Processing
3.1. Introduction
3.2. The bureaucratic model of organization
3.2.1. Context
3.2.2. Characteristics
3.2.3. Criticism
3.3. Developing a new organizational model: some important aspects
3.4. Information Technology: BPR as a new resource
3.5. Information as a competitive resource itself
3.6. Concepts: data, information, intelligence, knowledge
3.7. Dealing with different sources of information: Integrated Management
3.8. The case of the Swedish National Financial Management Authority
3.9. Information: organizational objectives and socio-psychological aspects
Chapter Four: Decision Making and the Impact of Technology
4.1. Decisions and cognitive aspects
4.2. Decision making in organizations
4.3. Quantitative analytical techniques
4.4. The impact of technology
4.5. The decision-making process
4.6. Internal and external environments
Chapter Five: People in Organizations
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Employees and managers
5.3. Individual and group work
5.4. Knowledge workers
5.5. Leadership
5.6. Productivity
5.7. Continuous learning
Chapter Six: A Case Study – The Department of Fiscal-Administrative Affairs in Ceará (CONAT) – Analysis and Discussion
6.1. Introduction
6.2. The Republic of Brazil and the State of Ceará
6.3. The Brazilian tax system and the State Department of Treasure in Ceará
6.4. The Judicial and the Contentious Administrative Systems
6.5. The Department of Fiscal-Administrative Affairs in Ceará
6.5.1. Introduction
6.5.2. Organizational model
6.5.3..Information processing, decision making and technological resources.
6.5.4. Personnel
6.6. Theoretical research x the case study: comparative analysis
6.6.1. Introduction
6.6.2. Organizational model and information processing
6.6.3. Decision making and the impact of technology
6.6.4. Personnel
6.7. Conclusion
6.8. Suggestions for further researches
References
Author: Sérgio André Cavalcante
Source: Blekinge Institute of Technology
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