Understanding Predictors of Over-Optimism in IS Project Teams. Issue 1 (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Korzaan, Melinda; Harris, Amy
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer information systems. Volume 60:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Optimism bias -- over-optimism -- personality traits -- psychological states -- self-efficacy -- implementation mindset -- project management; Electronic data processing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 658.4038011
• DOI: 10.1080/08874417.2017.1400930
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-4417

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The primary objective of this study is to examine the influence that psychological factors have on project team members' degree of over-optimism regarding successful project completion. Specifically, we examine the impact that select personality traits and psychological states have on project team members' degree of over-optimism about bringing a project to a successful completion. A field survey methodology was employed to survey IT project team members from Fortune 500 companies and the research model was tested using structural equation modeling. Results indicate that project-specific self-efficacy has both a direct positive effect on over-optimism and an indirect effect via the implementation mindset construct. General self-efficacy was demonstrated to directly influence project-specific self-efficacy and indirectly influence over-optimism via the implementation mindset construct. Preference for consistency was also demonstrated to have a direct effect on over-optimism. Implications for developing interventions to minimize the impacts of over-optimism related to IT projects are discussed.