Factors in ontological uncertainty related to ICT innovations

Purpose: The purpose of this research note is to provide an overview of factors in ontological uncertainty. Ontological uncertainty exists when individuals have perceptions about the future consequences of an innovation, which are based more on their diverse world views than on the innovation itself.

Design/methodology/approach: The research comprised review of the literature relating to factors that contribute to, and factors that mediate, ontological uncertainty.

Findings: Contributory factors to ontological uncertainty include individuals' genders, personality types, cultures, and experiences. Mediating factors include organizational processes and external influences.

Practical implications: Ontological uncertainty is different from truth uncertainty. In particular, it cannot be described in terms of probability distributions. However, it may be more feasible to reduce ontological uncertainty than to reduce truth uncertainty.

Originality/value: The originality of the paper is that it provides descriptions of factors in ontological uncertainty through an example that is very relevant to project business. The value of this paper is that provides a starting point for the reduction of ontological uncertainty in practice.