Does time constraint on users negate the efficacy of decision support systems?

Time constraint can impair decision performance: time-constrained decision makers process information faster, process less information, and use less r igorous decision strategies. On the other hand, properly designed decision support systems (DSSs) can induce decision makers to process more informati on and use more rigorous decision strategies, which can result in enhanced performance. In this study, we investigate, drawing on bounded rationality and cost-benefit theories of DSS use, whether these salutary effects of DSS s still hold in time-constrained environments. Our experimental results rep licate past research regarding the effects of time constraint and DSSs take n separately and also show that the positive effects of DSSs are maintained when decision makers are under time constraint. That is, consistent with h ypotheses, time-constrained participants processed information in a more co mpensatory like manner when aided by DSSs than when not. Some of the result s suggest that the negative effects of time constraint can be mitigated or even eliminated by the use of DSSs, but some participants did not take full advantage of the DSS to combat time constraint. (C) 2001 Academic Press.