Who would typically use an executive support system (ESS)?

An executive support system (ESS) is specifically designed to assist senior managers and executives in decision-making by providing them with easy access to internal and external information relevant to their strategic goals. Business leaders managing multiple functions utilize an ESS to access critical performance metrics, forecasts, and trends, which aid in long-term planning and strategic decision-making.

Being at the helm of an organization's various operations, these leaders require a high-level overview of data that can influence their decisions across the different departments and functions. This system helps them synthesize complex data into actionable insights, which is essential for effective management and leading the organization forward.

Other roles, such as data entry clerks or mid-level managers, typically engage with more operational systems focused on day-to-day activities rather than the strategic foresight provided by an ESS. Similarly, IT support staff generally work on maintaining the systems rather than utilizing them for decision-making purposes. Thus, the correct identification of who primarily uses an ESS reflects the system's purpose of facilitating top-level managerial decision-making.