QUANTITATIVE TOOL FOR DECISION-MAKING AS A GAME AND GAMBIT

The multiplicity of uses that are made of a quantitative tool during a collective choice process implying several participants of an organiz ation in the quasi-public sector, is examined. The metaphor of the gam e is proposed for purposes of this study. Results of the study show th at the use of the quantitative tool extends beyond the role that one t raditionally attributes it, that being to clarify a choice. For the va rious participants, the quantitative tool is an instrument that simult aneously enables and contrains. It is both the rule of the game and th e stake. The consequences for both developers and users of quantitativ e tools, most notably as regards their training, are presented and dis cussed.