The Influence of The Firm’s Cultural and Behavioural Factor on Business Analytics Initiatives

Abstract

Recent technological advancements enable organisations to collect and utilise a large volume of data. However, the value and implications of the insights generated from this data are still unclear, and the success of business analytics initiatives is a challenge. This study aims to understand the role that human behaviour and the firm’s culture play in the success of data-related projects.

To explore how business analytics initiatives are impacted by cultural and behavioural factors, semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals in information technology and business analytics fields through purposive selection. The sample size of ten respondents was asked about their experiences and challenges facing business analytics projects, specifically the human factor role. Their responses were analysed using ground theory methodology, which has recognised three themes for investigating the effects. These themes include business analytics alignment with strategy and culture, leadership and management, and skills.

The study findings reveal that although there is an overall awareness of human behaviour and cultural effects, only 30% of firms take actions toward mitigating these challenges. Moreover, it was discovered that three areas related to behaviour and culture have an impact on these projects. These include business analytics misalignment with the organisation’s culture and strategy, inadequate leadership and management and lastly a skills gap.

These findings suggest that as the role of human behaviour and culture is still underestimated, firms will continue to struggle with business analytics adoption. The findings from this research will enable organisations in addressing these challenges by increasing their data literacy from three main prospective, including alignment with culture and strategy, skills and leadership and management role