Decision quality and satisfaction: the effects of online information sources and self-efficacy

Abstract

Purpose -Digital libraries and social media are two sources of online information with different characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to integrate self-efficacy into the analysis of the relationship between information sources and decision making, and to explore the effect of self-efficacy on decision making, as well as the interacting effect of self-efficacy and information sources on decision making. Design/methodology/approach -Survey data were collected and the partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to verify the research model. Findings -The effect of digital library usage for acquiring information on perceived decision quality (PDQ) is larger than that of social media usage for acquiring information on PDQ. Self-efficacy in acquiring information (SEAI) stands out as the key determinant for PDQ. The effect of social media usage for acquiring information on PDQ is positively moderated by SEAI. Practical implications -Decision making is a fundamental activity for individuals, but human decision making is often subject to biases. The findings of this study provide useful insights into decision quality improvement, highlighting the importance of SEAI in the face of information overload. Originality/value -This study integrates self-efficacy into the analysis of the relationship between information sources and decision making, presenting a new perspective for decision-making research and practice alike.

Understanding the Health Behavior Decision-Making Process with Situational Theory of Problem Solving in Online Health Communities: The Effects of Health Beliefs, Message Credibility, and Communication Behaviors on Health Behavioral Intention

“…As people are presented with an overwhelming amount of data on a constant basis, selectivity is necessary for greatest effectiveness, and thus communication behavior is affected. Information acquisition has a substantial effect on decision making, which in turn decides the recipient’s desired information to be selected [ 30 ]. Information selection is established through the media used for information acquisition, and so the following hypotheses are put forward:…”

Understanding older adults' intention to share health information on social media: the role of health belief and information processing

“…Moreover, for those possible recipients, access of health information is proven to improve their health literacy and facilitate their health promotion (Park et al, 2013). However, the mass production of social media content has also created an overwhelming amount of health information (Yan et al, 2017) and only limited health information is favored and shared by older adults. Therefore, it is meaningful to scientifically understand the factors influencing older adults' health information-sharing intention (HISI) on social media.…”

Information triangulation: A complex and agentic everyday information practice

“…Some information researchers have used this concept of self‐efficacy to predict and model information behaviors using quantitative methods. For example, Yan and colleagues () investigated of self‐efficacy as a mediating factor between information sources and decision‐making, and Brennan, Kelly, and Zhang () conducted related work toward development of a search self‐efficacy scale for use in information research. Although the conversation regarding the role of self‐efficacy in information practices—and more broadly speaking, to what degree various information practices are or are not agentic—has barely begun, it is clear that agency is a powerful social scientific construct that may have particular salience when investigating information practices in the context of social structures that may facilitate and constrain the agency of information seekers and users.…”