Affected but not involved: Two-scenario based investigation of individuals' attitude towards decision support systems based on the example of the Video Assistant Referee

Märtins J, Westmattelmann D, Schewe G

Abstract

To fully realize the benefits of Decision Support Systems (DSS) for decision quality, individuals' attitudes towards DSS and their willingness to use such systems are important. This is especially crucial when individuals are affected by the DSS' decision but are not involved in decision-making. An example of such DSS is the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in professional football. Drawing on transparency research and justice theory, we examined the role of transparency, procedural justice, and social influence on individuals' attitudes towards the VAR. A quantitative vignette-based approach (N=824) using two scenarios (fans watching from home/in stadiums) was chosen. The results indicate that transparency perceptions, procedural justice, social influence, and attitude towards VAR are higher in the home setting. Additionally, structural equation modeling revealed that transparency, procedural justice, and social influence significantly impact individual's attitude towards VAR. Multigroup analyses showed that the effect size of one transparency dimension (timeliness) is significantly stronger at home, while social influence is stronger in the stadium scenario. To further interpret the quantitative findings, we conducted twelve semi-structured interviews among football fans. Finally, theoretical implications for DSS research and justice theory as well as practical implications in general and for the VAR are derived.