Cognitive and Psychological Obstructions to Information Quality in Competitive Intelligence

Innovative Competitive Intelligence (CI) solutions prioritize unconventional methods to tackle emerging challenges faced by decision-makers, diverging from traditional information flow regulation. This study examines the cognitive and psychological barriers impacting the CI process in small and medium-sized enterprises, focusing on how factors such as perception, trust, and employee engagement influence information quality and CI effectiveness. By analyzing various companies, the study identifies that psychological aspects provide a nuanced understanding of information quality, considering both objective measures and subjective perceptions. Findings reveal that information quality is a subjective construct, shaped by cognitive and psychological factors, which vary among individuals. Recognizing these factors is essential for developing and curating information that meets quality expectations, thereby fostering trust and enhancing communication effectiveness. High-quality information perception can lead to superior decision-making and competitive advantage. The integration of psychological factors into information quality management is crucial for developing user-centered information systems, which improve decision-making, user engagement, and adaptability, while reducing cognitive overload and promoting trust. This comprehensive approach ensures that information systems align with users' natural processing and utilization of information, leading to improved outcomes. In small and medium-sized companies, where employees play a critical role in the initial and final stages of CI - identifying information needs and making decisions - the knowledge embedded in employees is a valuable yet underutilized resource. Through in-depth interviews, this qualitative study highlights the significance of addressing cognitive and psychological barriers to enhance CI processes, thereby optimizing information intelligence management and contributing to the economic development and sustainability of these companies.