Paper Type
Complete
Abstract
High-stakes, small-group meetings in IT project management (PM) are critical for decision-making but often suffer from fixed-mindedness that limits innovation. Existing approaches to improve meeting effectiveness are frequently costly or impractical. This study examines whether positive awe—an emotion linked to adaptive shifts in mental models—can be induced through simple sensory stimuli and whether it enhances open-mindedness in IT project decision-making contexts (e.g., requirements gathering, sprint planning). Using a multi-phase mixed-methods design, we evaluate awe-inducing stimuli and their relationship to openness. Results show that positive awe can be elicited through simple means, with sustained (reflective) awe more consistently associated with open-mindedness than fleeting awe. These findings highlight positive awe as a manipulable psychological state and suggest low-cost interventions for improving openness in IT project meetings.
Paper Number
1639
Recommended Citation
Hutchings, Madison; Skousen, Tanner; and Gaskin, James, "Awe-full Research: Opening Minds in Collaborative IT Meetings Through Wonder" (2026). AMCIS 2026 Proceedings. 4.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2026/sig_itpm/sig_itpm/4
Awe-full Research: Opening Minds in Collaborative IT Meetings Through Wonder
High-stakes, small-group meetings in IT project management (PM) are critical for decision-making but often suffer from fixed-mindedness that limits innovation. Existing approaches to improve meeting effectiveness are frequently costly or impractical. This study examines whether positive awe—an emotion linked to adaptive shifts in mental models—can be induced through simple sensory stimuli and whether it enhances open-mindedness in IT project decision-making contexts (e.g., requirements gathering, sprint planning). Using a multi-phase mixed-methods design, we evaluate awe-inducing stimuli and their relationship to openness. Results show that positive awe can be elicited through simple means, with sustained (reflective) awe more consistently associated with open-mindedness than fleeting awe. These findings highlight positive awe as a manipulable psychological state and suggest low-cost interventions for improving openness in IT project meetings.
When commenting on articles, please be friendly, welcoming, respectful and abide by the AIS eLibrary Discussion Thread Code of Conduct posted here.
Comments
SIG ITPROJMGMT