Escalating commitment to information system projects: findings from two simulated experiments

Authors:
Rajiv Sabherwal;Maung K. Sein;George M. Marakas
Affiliations:
CCB 206, College of Business Administration, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO;Agder College, Kristiansand, Norway;Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Venue:
Information and Management
Year:
2003

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Abstract

Commitment to an information system (IS) development project is essential for system success. However, some projects exhibit escalation of commitment, i.e. allocation of additional resources to a failing course of action. This paper describes two simulated longitudinal experiments examining the effects of project, psychological, social, and structural factors during four stages of an IS project. The results support escalation in IS projects. Moreover, project factors and psychological factors, but not structural factors, seem to aid escalation. Project, psychological, and social factors also have different effects during various stages.