Gamified monetary reward designs: Offering certain versus chance-based rewards

2023 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 0

Authors: Adam, Martin; Reinelt, Annika; Roethke, Konstantin

Abstract: To motivate visitors to engage with websites, e-tailers widely employ monetary r ... Expand

Abstract: To motivate visitors to engage with websites, e-tailers widely employ monetary rewards (e.g., vouchers, discounts) in their website designs. With advances in user interface technologies, many e-tailers have started to offer gamified monetary reward designs (MRDs), which require visitors to earn the monetary reward by playing a game, rather than simply claiming the reward. However, little is known about whether and why gamified MRDs engage visitors compared to their non-gamified counterpart. Even less is known about the effectiveness of gamified MRDs when providing certain or chance-based rewards, in that visitors do or do not know what reward they will gain for successfully performing in the game. Drawing on cognitive evaluation theory, we investigate gamified MRDs with certain or chance-based rewards and contrast them to non-gamified MRDs with certain rewards in user registration systems. Our results from a multi-method approach encompassing the complementary features of a randomised field experiment (N = 651) and a randomised online experiment (N = 330) demonstrate differential effects of the three investigated MRDs on user registration. Visitors encountering either type of gamified MRD are more likely to register than those encountering a non-gamified MRD. Moreover, gamified MRDs with chance-based rewards have the highest likelihood of user registrations. We also show that MRDs have distinct indirect effects on user registration via anticipated experiences of competence and sensation. Overall, the paper offers theoretical insights and practical guidance on how and why gamified MRDs are effective for e-tailers. Collapse

Topics: website electronic mail electronic commerce gamification website design

Methods: experiment randomized field experiment survey experimental task mixed method

Theories: cognitive evaluation theory self determination theory

Sustainable IS Use: What IS Needed to REDUSE

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Andraschko, Lars; Wunderlich, Philipp; Sarker, Saonee; Veit, Daniel

Abstract: Facing ever-looming climate change, studying the drivers for individuals ' Info ... Expand

Abstract: Facing ever-looming climate change, studying the drivers for individuals ' Information Systems (IS) Use to reduce environmental harm gains momentum. While extant research on the antecedents of sustainable IS Use has focused on specific theories, interventions, contexts, and technologies, a holistic understanding has become increasingly elusive, with a synthesis remaining absent. We employ a systematic literature review methodology to shed light on the driving antecedents for sustainable IS Use among individual consumers. Our results build on findings of 29 empirical studies drawn from 598 articles retrieved from our premier outlets and a forward/backward search. The analysis reveals six salient complementary antecedents: Relief, Empowerment, Default, User-centricity, Salience, and Encouragement. We recommend considering these concepts when developing, deploying, promoting, or regulating digital technologies to mitigate individual consumers' emissions. Along with memorable and implementable concepts, our theoretical framework offers a novel conceptualization and four promising avenues for researchers on sustainable IS Use. Collapse

Topics: information system use green IS electronic commerce individual characteristic willingness to pay

Methods: structured literature research synthesis theory development laboratory experiment field experiment

Theories: extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology information systems theory unified theory of acceptance and use of technology

Human vs. Automated Sales Agents: How and Why Customer Responses Shift Across Sales Stages

2023 | Information Systems Research | Citations: 0

Authors: Adam, Martin; Roethke, Konstantin; Benlian, Alexander

Abstract: Customers in sales processes increasingly encounter automated sales agents (ASAs ... Expand

Abstract: Customers in sales processes increasingly encounter automated sales agents (ASAs) that complement or replace human sales agents (HSAs). Yet, little is known about whether, how, and why customers respond to ASAs in contrast to HSAs across successive decision stages of the same sales process. Even less is known about customer responses to HSA-ASA combinations, where both agents assume distinct roles and focus on complementary tasks that are traditionally performed by only one single sales agent. Against this backdrop, this paper explores the influence of increasingly common sales representative (rep) types (i.e., ASA, HSA, and HSA-ASA) on customer decisions across sales stages. Drawing on information processing theory and the literature on hedonic-utilitarian decision making, we investigate customer responses to text-based ASAs from vendor companies in two common early stages of email sales processes (i.e., sales initiation stages) when customers successively decide whether to indicate their initial interest in an offer and then, whether to provide their contact information. Specifically, we conducted two complementary multi-decision experiments, namely (1) a randomized field experiment in a high-stakes sales initiation setting (n = 325) and (2) a subsequent randomized online experiment to complement the real-world insights (n = 408). Our core findings reveal reversing effect patterns of sales rep types across stages: although customers are more likely to indicate their initial interest to HSAs (versus ASAs) because of HSAs’ higher levels of social presence, they are less likely to provide contact information to HSAs because of HSAs’ lower levels of performance expectancy and effort expectancy. We also show that HSA-ASA combinations can be reasonable options for single ASAs, yet contextual features of the sales setting may affect differential customer responses to HSA-ASA combinations (versus ASAs) in each sales stage. Taken together, we uncover shifting effect patterns in customer responses to sales rep types across successive sales stages and shed light on the consecutive underlying mechanisms that explain these shifts. These findings have significant implications for vendor companies seeking to allocate HSAs and/or ASAs effectively across various decision stages in sales processes and beyond. History: Wonseok Oh, Senior Editor and Khim Yong Goh; Associate Editor. Funding: This work was supported by the Center for Responsible Digitality (ZEVEDI) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) [Grant 471168026]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2022.1171. Collapse

Topics: electronic mail social presence decision making recommender system information system use

Methods: experiment randomized field experiment regression analysis method experimental task field experiment

Theories: information processing theory

The Interplay of Information Processing, Mindfulness, and Affective State in Phishing Detection

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Bera, Debalina; Kim, Dan

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of individuals' information processing modes ... Expand

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of individuals' information processing modes on phishing email detection mechanisms and accuracy. Drawing on the heuristic-systematic model of processing, mindful decision-making, and affect-and-persuasion literature, this study examines the antecedents (i.e., heuristic, systematic processing, general and domain mindfulness, and affective state) and behavioral consequences (i.e., detection accuracy) in phishing identification. Using a scenario-based survey experiment this study shows mindfulness and affectivity navigate information processing mechanisms, thus influence phishing detection accuracy. It aims to contribute to information security literature by examining novel associations between general, domain mindfulness and its effect on online users' information processing strategy and phishing detection accuracy. Furthermore, this study contributes to phishing training and awareness by identifying the function of cognitive-affective (affective states, trait mindfulness) and cognitive-behavioral (domain mindfulness) factors on the choice of information processing modes and phishing detection accuracy. Finally, the affective states might help improve the efficacy of automatic filters. Collapse

Topics: phishing mindfulness electronic mail email phishing data security

Methods: experiment survey partial least squares regression machine learning laboratory experiment

Theories: protection motivation theory

Can Fact-Checking Influence User Beliefs About Misinformation Claims: An Examination of Contingent Effects

2023 | Management Information Systems Quarterly | Citations: 0

Authors: Bhattacherjee, Anol

Abstract: Prior research has suggested that corrective fact-checking has inconsistent eff ... Expand

Abstract: Prior research has suggested that corrective fact-checking has inconsistent effects on beliefs about online misinformation claims. This study attempts to explain this inconsistency using three contingent factorsclaim-source credibility, fact-checker credibility, and attitude strength-which respectively relate to three key parties in the fact-checking process: the source of a misleading claim, the fact-checker, and the user evaluating the fact-check. I hypothesize the interplay between these factors, which is tested using two online experiments on COVID-19-related misinformation with over 900 participants. Multilevel analysis of pretest-posttest, repeated measures data supports the hypothesized moderating effects and offers additional insights about how these effects vary between earlier versus later phases of misinformation cycles. The paper concludes with a discussion of contributions to research and practice. Collapse

Topics: misinformation pandemic BuzzFeed covid 19 user attitude

Methods: experiment regression analysis method longitudinal research statistical power analysis theoretical contribution

Wisdom in the Wild: Generalization and Adaptive Dynamics

2023 | Organization Science | Citations: 0

Authors: Choi, Jaeho; Levinthal, Daniel

Abstract: Learning from experience is a central mechanism underlying organizational capabi ... Expand

Abstract: Learning from experience is a central mechanism underlying organizational capabilities. However, in examining how organizations learn from past experiences, much of the literature has focused on situations in which actors are facing a repeated event. We direct attention to a relatively underexamined question: when an organization experiences a largely idiosyncratic series of events, at what level of granularity should these events, and the associated actions and outcomes, be encoded? How does generalizing from experience impact the wisdom of future choices and what are the boundary conditions or factors that might mitigate the degree of desired generalization? To address these questions, we develop a computational model that incorporates how characteristics of opportunities (e.g., acquisition candidates, new investments, product development) might be encoded so that experiential learning is possible even when the organization’s experience is a series of unique events. Our results highlight the power of learning through generalization in a world of novelty as well as the features of the problem environment that reduce this “power.” Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.1609. Collapse

Topics: organization learning new product development

Methods: descriptive statistic reinforcement learning robustness check literature study

Online Information Filtering: The Role of Contextual Cues in Electronic Networks of Practice

2023 | ACM SIGMIS Database | Citations: 0

Authors: Fadel, Kelly J.; Jensen, Matthew L.; Meservy, Thomas O.

Abstract: Online forums sponsored by Electronic Networks of Practice are commonly used to ... Expand

Abstract: Online forums sponsored by Electronic Networks of Practice are commonly used to exchange information related to problem solving, but the quality of solutions posted on forums can vary widely. To assist knowledge seekers, most forums offer contextual cues that signal solution quality, such as endorsements by the question poster, experts, or other community members. However, the influence of these cues on information-filtering decisions, particularly when presented simultaneously, remains poorly understood. This study draws on signaling theory to develop hypotheses about how four cue dimensions-source, valence, format, and volume-shape information filtering on an online forum. Results from three choice-based conjoint studies show that some sources are more influential than others and that positive cues weigh more heavily on filtering decisions than negative cues. Results also show that cues tend to be more influential when they employ a more granular format and reflect the input of a larger number of individuals. Collapse

Topics: decision making information storage and retrieval system logistics management website information exchange

Methods: conjoint analysis survey statistical hypothesis test literature study theory development

Theories: signaling theory

What makes a Tweet so sweet: The neurocognitive effects of hedonic information consumption

2023 | Information & Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Fadel, Kelly J.; Meservy, Thomas O.; Kirwan, C. Brock

Abstract: Hedonic information consumption (HIC) refers to the consumption of information f ... Expand

Abstract: Hedonic information consumption (HIC) refers to the consumption of information for non-task-oriented purposes such as entertainment or pleasure. With the explosive growth of information availability through online channels such as social media, HIC has become a common and growing phenomenon; however, most information systems research to date has focused on factors surrounding information consumption for utilitarian rather than hedonic purposes. In this paper, we take an initial step to inform theory in this area by applying a NeuroIS lens to explore HIC behavior. We postulate that information is more likely to be hedonically consumed when it is appraised as interesting, and that certain characteristics of the information involved in HIC, namely its novelty and valence, play a role in determining its interestingness. Moreover, we hypothesize that HIC is driven by the neurobiological reactions that take place in response to information novelty and valence. We report the results of a behavioral and an fMRI experiment designed to measure the relationship between these information dimensions and neu­ rocognitive responses in the context of a popular social media platform. Our results provide preliminary evidence for differential processing patterns related to novelty and valence that can inform ongoing theory building surrounding HIC behaviors. Collapse

Topics: Twitter social media social media site database system decision making

Methods: experiment functional magnetic resonance imaging theory development NeuroIS magnetic resonance imaging

Theories: theory of information information systems theory

How “What you think you know about cybersecurity” can help users make more secure decisions

2023 | Information & Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Fard Bahreini, Amir; Cavusoglu, Hasan; Cenfetelli, Ronald T.

Abstract: The increasing use of information technology artifacts in daily life makes secur ... Expand

Abstract: The increasing use of information technology artifacts in daily life makes security a shared responsibility of both users and companies. In recent years, increasing a user’s objective (i.e., actual) security knowledge and providing applications with more secure default settings appear among the most ubiquitous tools companies use to broaden their efforts to help users make more secure decisions. Examining both solutions matters because they are widely used, cost effective, and understood by many security practitioners. Additionally, default settings and users’ objective knowledge provide anchors for decision-making. However, human errors and insecure default settings are increasing and raising further questions about the efficacy of such efforts. Using the theory of bounded ra­ tionality, we investigated the role of objective, subjective (i.e., self-assessed) security knowledge, and default settings security level on the overall decision security. We found that objective security knowledge can lead to secure decisions when paired with high subjective security knowledge. In the absence of the latter, objective security knowledge is unable to lead to better security decisions. Furthermore, subjective security knowledge reduces the extent to which users fully accept default security settings, thereby mitigating bias toward insecure default settings. Collapse

Topics: mobile application data security decision making self efficacy mobile application market

Methods: survey descriptive statistic structural equation modeling literature study post-hoc analysis

Theories: theory of bounded rationality

Embracing brain and behaviour: Designing programs of complementary neurophysiological and behavioural studies

2023 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 3

Authors: Kirwan, C. Brock; Vance, Anthony; Jenkins, Jeffrey L.; Anderson, Bonnie Brinton

Abstract: NeuroIS—the methods and knowledge of neuroscience applied to the information sys ... Expand

Abstract: NeuroIS—the methods and knowledge of neuroscience applied to the information systems (IS) domain—has become an established research field within the IS discipline. A key advantage of NeuroIS is its ability to provide insights into human cognition beyond those obtained using behavioural techniques alone. Nevertheless, in neuroscience, there is renewed interest in examining behaviour together with neurophysiological methods to better inform our understanding of neural processes. In this research opinion article, we argue that in the field of NeuroIS, there is an opportunity for hybrid programs of study that combine neurophysiological and behavioural methods in a complementary manner. We outline four strategies for designing complementary neurophysiological and behavioural experiments in a research program: (1) observe the relationship between neural processes and behavioural change; (2) combine neurophysiological and behavioural methods to enhance internal, external, and ecological validity; (3) extend, rather than replicate, experiments based on theory; and (4) use neurophysiological and behavioural experiments together to evaluate IT artefact design. By applying these strategies, researchers can more effectively design programs using complementary neurophysiological and behavioural methods, which, in turn, can help to provide richer insights into the phenomena under study as well as accelerate the advancement of IS knowledge. Collapse

Topics: marketing management Google+ IT security threat personal computer enterprise resource planning

Methods: experiment NeuroIS neurophysiology oculometry functional magnetic resonance imaging