1. Introduction
The literature addressing the topics of decision-making and the use of information is multidisciplinary and covers
fields such as management, social science, information technology, human neurology and psychology. Consequently,
each of the subject areas has its own perspective. It is not surprising that, with such a diverse research input,
researchers in the fields of decision-making and decision tools are far from reaching agreement concerning the
mechanisms of decision-making or the best way to support this process.
Although, decision-making research in accounting has a long history beginning in the 1960s, researchers have
approached managerial decisions more in terms of managerial accounting and less of financial accounting. This could
be due to the expansion, over time, of the objectives of financial accounting information, from supporting
management to helping investors make correct decisions.
Research methodology
The purpose of this paper is to identify what role plays financial accounting information in managerial decisionmaking.
In our approach we seek to describe and explain relationships through a fundamental qualitative research, based on
literature review. We consider that a trenchant response to our issue would be superficial and risky, because of the
many factors involved and the complexity of the context in question. We appreciate that a sequential approach of the
main issues would be more appropriate and will allow the highlight of the anchor-elements of our question. Thus,using a consistent literature review, we outline several considerations about decisions, decision theories, decisionmaking
processes, decision makers, the manager as a key player in decision-making, the role of financial accounting
information in this process, including the quality as a determinant of the decision usefulness of financial accounting
information. Finally, we formulate conclusions and proposals to improve decision-making process at managerial level.