Homo Informaticus

Abstract

This chapter discusses the concept of homo informaticus—the individual organization member that performs complex cognitive processes, engages in decision making and satisfying of informing needs, and designs and evaluates information systems. Discussed are cognitive processes of thinking, feeling, perceiving, memorizing/memory recalling, and learning. These cognitive processes are involved in the fundamental informing process that starts with perception of external data, continues with applying knowledge to data, and ends with inferring information (meaning). Homo informaticus is typified based on Karl Jung's psychology and Kolb's learning styles. The discussion also addresses cognitive limitations. Memory is limited in volume and content, perception is prone to illusions, and thinking is susceptible to biases. These limitations influence the outcomes of informing, learning, and decision making.