Executive information requirements in the 1990s: Is multimedia an answer?

A survey of over 300 senior executives in the Washington, D.C. area resulted in nearly 120 responses that provided information on executive information needs and display preferences. Previously published hypothesis(es) regarding executive age as an impediment to computer usage was updated by the survey. It was found that more CEOs are using computers but the oldest CEOs still resist their use. Age makes a difference in computer use but is no longer a significant obstacle. The survey data also indicated that the senior executives are computer literate, preferred graphic to textual presentations and desired the ability to change the form of the information to meet their personal preferences. The research supports a conclusion that the only impediment to a multimedia executive information system is the creation of a system which uses multimedia technologies to provide information presentation options over a variety of applications. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).