Abstract

This paper is an analysis of the primary distinctions between information and decision support functions of management information systems and decision support systems and examines how technology professionals might be attracted to focus their careers in different areas and find greater career satisfaction working with different types of systems based on psychological type as described by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).* The MBTI recognizes 16 different personality types that are considered normal and emphasizes what is right with the personality whereas so many other instruments focus on what is wrong with the personality. The MBTI is widely used in business, management, education, career centers, and many other areas. This paper analyzes the work done by O’Brien and Marakas regarding the differences between management information systems and decision support systems and explores how technology professionals with different personality types as based on the MBTI might be attracted to and enjoy more career satisfaction by concentrating their professional careers on working with specific kinds of systems.(*The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Myers-Briggs, and MBTI are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Trust in the United States and other countries.)