A study empirically tested the basic cybernetic principle that information increases control by examining the management information systems for 99 U.S. Air Force defense projects. Public management practitioners and theorists presume that the more and better the information on project cost, schedule, and quality in their computer systems, the greater the project control. The study found no empirical evidence to support the signal hypothesis that information is used for controlling project costs, schedule, or quality. Qualitative evidence suggests, however, that information does have considerable symbolic value, especially as a potential signal. Chaos theory, or the study of complex systems, presents a promising alternative to the cybernetic theory. Chaos theory suggests that managers and researchers should seek to understand the apparently chaotic conditions of their organizations rather than simply attempting to control them by gathering more information.