Bias in Enterprise Software Selection: How It Happens and What to Do About It

In his article “Using process to eliminate bias when selecting enterprise software”, Chris Doig opens with a story;

“Imagine entering a courtroom where the trial consists of a prosecutor presenting PowerPoint slides. In 20 compelling charts, he demonstrates why the defendant is guilty. The judge challenges some facts from the presentation, but the prosecutor has a good answer to every objection. So the judge decides, and the accused is sentenced. That wouldn’t be due process, would it?

If this process is shocking in a courtroom, why is it acceptable when selecting enterprise software? Substitute the prosecutor above for an aggressive and slick sales team, and you have the same situation. “

Unfortunately, in the years since this article was published, not much has changed. Lack of process pushes companies into purchasing technologies that are not the right fit for their needs.

Bias When Selecting Technology Vendors

As organizations rapidly seek to adopt new technologies to improve efficiency and drive business results, the software selection process has become increasingly important. Unfortunately, bias can often creep into this process, leading to suboptimal outcomes and a failure to fully consider all available options.

One common form of bias in the software selection process is confirmation bias, where decision-makers only seek out information that confirms their preexisting beliefs or assumptions. This can lead to a narrow-minded evaluation of options, and a failure to consider alternatives that might be a better fit for the organization’s needs.

Another form of bias that can occur is the sunk cost bias, where decision-makers are more likely to choose a particular option because they have already invested time and resources into it, even if it is not the best option available.

A third form of bias that can impact software selection is the halo effect, where one positive aspect of a software option is used to justify choosing it, even if it has other significant drawbacks.

Risk Management for Software Selection

Ensuring Objectivity in the Software Vendor Selection Process: Strategies for Aligning with Multiple Stakeholders

Bias in enterprise software vendor selection can be especially difficult to avoid when department heads have to align on the chosen vendor because each department may have different priorities and preferences. This can lead to conflicting opinions and make it harder to reach a consensus. Additionally, department heads may be influenced by their personal experiences or relationships with certain vendors, which can introduce bias into the decision-making process. Furthermore, if multiple decision-makers are involved, it can be challenging to ensure that all voices are heard and considered equally. All of these factors can make it difficult to choose a vendor that aligns with the needs and goals of the entire organization. It is important to have a structured and unbiased approach to vendor selection to avoid these biases and make the best decision for the organization.

How to Overcome Bias in Software Vendor Selection 

Strategies for Ensuring a Fair and Thorough Evaluation of Technology Vendors

1. Establish clear criteria and a structured evaluation process.

   . By defining the specific needs and requirements that a software option must meet, organizations can avoid the pitfalls of confirmation bias and the halo effect.

2. Involve a diverse group of stakeholders in the evaluation process.

   Different perspectives and experiences can help to balance out biases and ensure a more comprehensive evaluation of options.

3. Use data to drive your decision-making.

   Taking the time to identify the right stakeholders and gather and rank their requirements to solicit feedback directly from vendors will ensure your decision is based on your organization’s needs instead of biased reviews and analyst reports. Software selection tools like Olive facilitate this process with an extensive report that ensures every requirement can be traced. Use this due diligence to hold vendors accountable.

By being aware of the potential for bias and taking steps to mitigate it, organizations can ensure that they make informed and effective software selections that truly meet their needs.

Bias in Software Sales

Use Olive to Align on Vendor Selection and Choose the Right Solution

Are you tired of making costly mistakes when choosing software vendors for your business? It can be difficult to avoid biases and make informed decisions, but with Olive, you can trust that you are getting an unbiased, fact-based evaluation. Olive is an end-to-end technology sourcing platform that simplifies the software evaluation process and helps you find the best solution for your organization’s needs. Plus, Olive does not charge vendors, ensuring you get an unbiased and accurate assessment. We want to empower buyers. Save time and money by using Olive’s efficient and unbiased platform to make informed decisions about your technology choices. Trust Olive to guide your organization toward the best software options for your business.