Trust dynamics in a large system implementation: six theoretical propositions

2013 | European Journal of Information Systems | Citations: 6

Authors: Schlichter, Bjarne Rerup; Rose, Jeremy

Abstract: A large information systems implementation (such as Enterprise Resource Planning ... Expand

Abstract: A large information systems implementation (such as Enterprise Resource Planning systems) relies on the trust of its stakeholders to succeed. Such projects impact diverse groups of stakeholders, each with their legitimate interests and expectations. Levels of stakeholder trust can be expected to vary in large-scale implementations (which can take several years), and cannot be taken for granted. Previous studies have largely focused on the taxonomic deconstruction of the trust construct, through point-in-time variance studies. They have identified the relationship between trust and project outcomes, but largely ignored the dynamics of trust relations. Giddens, as part of his study of modernity, theorises trust dynamics in relation to abstract social systems, though without focusing on information systems. We use Giddens’ concepts to investigate evolving trust relationships in a longitudinal case analysis of a large Integrated Hospital System implementation for the Faroe Islands. Trust relationships suffered a serious breakdown, but the project was able to recover and meet its goals. We develop six theoretical propositions theorising the relationship between trust and project outcomes, the maintenance, breakdown and restoration of trust, the role of the information system in restoring trust, and the emergent and reciprocal nature of trust and project outcomes. Collapse

Topics: systems implementation social capital project productivity

Methods: qualitative interview theory development longitudinal research critical incident analysis case study

Theories: structuration theory

Valuing Virtual Worlds: The Role of Categorization in Technology Assessment

2012 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 11

Authors: Nardon, Luciara; Aten, Kathryn

Abstract: Virtual worlds offer great potential for supporting the collaborative work of ge ... Expand

Abstract: Virtual worlds offer great potential for supporting the collaborative work of geographically distributed teams. However, reports indicate the existence of substantial barriers to the acceptance and use of virtual worlds in business settings. In this paper, we explore how individuals' interpretations of virtual worlds influence their judgments of the value of the technology. We conducted a qualitative analysis set in the context of a large computer and software company that was in the process of adopting virtual worlds for distributed collaboration. We identified interpretations of virtual worlds that suggest three mental categories: virtual worlds as a medium, virtual worlds as a place, and virtual worlds as an extension of reality. We associated these mental categories with different criteria for assessing the value of virtual worlds in a business setting. This study contributes particularly to the acceptance of virtual worlds but also more generally to the understanding of technology acceptance by demonstrating that the relative importance of the criteria for assessing a technology varies with potential users' interpretations and mental categorizations. Collapse

Topics: virtual world technology adoption ease of use consumer behavior IT supported collaboration

Methods: survey personal interview qualitative interview design artifact company material