Just knowing you do it: The unacknowledged role of social influence on decision-making

JIRÁSEK, Michal and Irma MACHÁČOVÁ. Just knowing you do it: The unacknowledged role of social influence on decision-making. Online. In Petr Mikuš, Martin Cenek. Scientific Conference of Business Economics Management and Marketing. Brno: Masaryk University, 2019, p. 66-75. ISBN 978-80-210-9565-6.

Basic information

• Original name: Just knowing you do it: The unacknowledged role of social influence on decision-making
• Authors: JIRÁSEK, Michal (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution) and Irma MACHÁČOVÁ (203 Czech Republic).
• Edition: Brno, Scientific Conference of Business Economics Management and Marketing, p. 66-75, 10 pp. 2019.
• Publisher: Masaryk University

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Proceedings paper
• Field of Study: 50204 Business and management
• Country of publisher: Czech Republic
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Publication form: electronic version available online
• RIV identification code: RIV/00216224:14560/19:00117465
• Organization unit: Faculty of Economics and Administration
• ISBN: 978-80-210-9565-6
• Keywords in English: decision-making; social influence; behavioral factors; expert advice

Abstract

Social proof, isomorphism, imitation, or vicarious learning – these are just some examples of terms used to describe the powerful role of social influence on decision-making. However, while powerful, it is often unacknowledged. Be the reasons conscious (“I don’t want to tell you”) or unconscious (“I am not influenced by others”), social influence needs to have a prominent role in the research on organizational decision-making. In this study, we summarize some of the theoretical perspectives on the role of social influence in decision-making. Then, we provide a case study illustrating its effects and its unacknowledgement by decision-makers. Combining these two parts, we aim to highlight the need to carefully assess possible social influence in further studies of decision-making, regardless of narratives we obtain from individual decision-makers.