Abstract.While executive information systems (EIS) constitute a rising trend in the use of information technology in organizations, much is still unknown in terms of the attributes an EIS should possess in order to increase the probability of successful implementation. A survey was conducted on 28 Canadian organizations, with 52 users giving their perceptions on the various attributes of EIS. Results indicate that the more important aspects relate to the quality of information and the benefits provided by EIS. Less important are the user‐interface and technical capabilities. User satisfaction with the attributes of their present system was also measured. In this regard, managers were more content with the quality of information and the user‐interface than with the benefits and the technical capabilities of their EIS. Overall, top‐managers were less satisfied with the present system than lower‐level m