Systematic errors in decision making processes: the case of the Italian Serie A football championship

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to investigate the role of systematic errors or decision making traps in the field of decision making processes involving referees of football matches, with particular reference to the Italian Serie A football championship. Therefore, the objective of this research is to examine the actual occurrence of the aforementioned systematic errors, considering that the strong psychological and environmental pressure under which professional referees find themselves working is very similar to the contexts characterised by a high level of dynamism under which contemporary company managers often work. This paper presents theoretical as well as empirical evidence. Empirical research allows for the verification of the incidence of systematic errors on the decision making processes of referees, with the objective of proposing solutions, including those of a modern nature, in order to avoid the distortion of sports competitions, aimed at implementing the decisions made by managers.