Cognitive and Personality Tests for the Design of Management Information Systems

Presently observation and interviews are used in gathering information to facilitate organizational acceptance of MIS modifications. The authors propose that the measurement and evaluation of users' cognitive styles and related personality traits may provide an effective means for attaining successful MIS modifications. The authors suggest that two aspects of cognitive and personality traits are relevant to user adaptive behavior: (1) cognitive style and (2) implementation apprehension, e.g., resistance to change, defense mechanisms and stress tolerance. These design aspects are incorporated in a field study.