Non-decision making in an ERP software selection process

This paper proposes to reframe current research on decision making processes in the area of ERP software selection. The researcher’s objective is to structure ideas in the shape of a model of ERP decision making, incorporating both the community dimension of ERP decision making and ideas borrowed from the Non-Decision Making (NDM) literature, that can inform both the practice and investigation of ERP software selection decision making processes. This paper builds on the theoretical framework proposed by Sammon and Adam (2002). The actual outcomes of the ERP software selection decision making processes within the ERP Community under study are presented, highlighting the impact of NDM, through identifying various forms of Category Manipulation, in the context of relationships and interactions observed between the ERP Community actors. In conclusion, this research paper goes some way to validating the model proposed by Sammon and Adam (2002) and extends our thinking in terms of understanding the complexities of an ERP software selection process.