System analysts' orientations and perceptions of system failure

System analysts approach tasks with different orientations to their actions . Likewise, system failures are perceived to be because of a variety of cau ses. A survey of 239 analysts is conducted to explore the similarities betw een these orientations and perceptions of failure reasons. The findings ind icate that analysts' perceptions of failure reasons and their approach to d evelopment fall along similar lines. This trait enables information system management to select project teams to help avoid failures. The variety of o rientations needed for success can be chosen from within the organization o r training of analysts can be targeted more effectively to consider missing elements based on current orientations. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.