Strategic Conformance: Overcoming Acceptance Issues of Decision Aiding Automation?

Cognitive engineering researchers have long studied the complexity and reliability of human–automation interaction. Historically, though, the area of human–automation decision-making compatibility has received less attention. Paradoxically, this could in the future become one of the most critical issues of all, as mismatches between human and automation problem-solving styles could threaten the adoption of automation. This paper presents the concept of
strategic conformance
as a potential key factor influencing initial acceptance of automation, specifically decision aiding systems capable of guiding decision and action. Here, strategic conformance represents the match in problem-solving style between decision aiding automation and the individual operator. The theoretical foundation builds on the compatibility construct found in technology acceptance theories such as the innovation diffusion and technology acceptance models. The paper concludes with a critical discussion on the limitations and drawbacks of strategic conformance. It is proposed that the construct would be most applicable at the introductory phase of new decision aiding automation, in helping to foster operators’ initial acceptance of such automation.