Responsible innovation with digital platforms: Cases in India and Canada

2023 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 6

Authors: Ahuja, Suchit; Chan, Yolande E.; Krishnamurthy, Rashmi

Abstract: Marginalized communities globally encounter grand challenges such as lack of acc ... Expand

Abstract: Marginalized communities globally encounter grand challenges such as lack of access to education, healthcare, and sustained livelihoods. Several initiatives to address these complex, global problems have resulted in fragmented solutions. Recognizing this, there have been several calls for the study of responsible innovation (RI) to address grand challenges. Digital platforms such as AirBnB, Uber and so forth have now become commonplace and are known to generate economic value but also face criticism for being exploitative and exclusive. Only a handful of studies show how similar platforms can innovate responsibly to serve marginalized communities by generating simultaneous economic and social value. To address this gap, our study examines the cases of two platforms that orchestrated ecosystems consisting of individuals from marginalized communities, government agencies, and other entities to provide physical, digital and societal solutions based on principles of RI. We contribute to the RI and IS literatures to show how RI solutions can be fostered through digital platforms to address grand challenges. The article provides empirical evidence of all four dimensions of the RI framework—anticipation, reflexivity, inclusion, and responsiveness - and their operationalization through digital platforms. This research lays the foundation for future studies at the intersection of RI and digital platforms literature. The study also provides practice insights on developing digital platform solutions for marginalized communities to address grand challenges and is useful to policymakers to formulate appropriate interventions. It pushes the theoretical and practice boundaries of our understanding of RI and digital platforms. Collapse

Topics: digital platform mobile application social media innovation management business model

Methods: qualitative interview theory development case study triangulation archival research

Theories: theory of economic development

Social media platforms and social enterprise: Bibliometric analysis and systematic review

2023 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Ali, Imran; Balta, Maria; Papadopoulos, Thanos

Abstract: A considerable number of contributions at the intersection of social media platf ... Expand

Abstract: A considerable number of contributions at the intersection of social media platforms and social entrepreneurship has been witnessed over the past decade. The multi-disciplinary nature of current literature necessitates inte­ grative insights on the topic. We thus undertake a two-pronged approach – bibliometric analysis followed by systematic review – to map the extant literature in a structured, objective, and quantitative way. We contribute to the literature as we (i) offer a classification of the literature in three clusters, namely ‘social media platforms, social collaboration and social marketing’, ‘social media platforms and crowdfunding, and ‘social media plat­ forms and crowdsourcing’; (ii) analyze recent research development in each cluster, methodological develop­ ment, countries co-authorship and evolution of research in the area; and (iii) propose a conceptual framework -accompanied by research propositions- that provides an overview of the literature at the intersection of social media platforms, various social entrepreneurial practices and their influence on the social enterprise perfor­ mance. Our review culminates with numerous impactful research avenues for scholarly progression in the area. From a practical standpoint, this review integrates scattered findings into one body, allowing the practitioners and policymakers to discern the role of social media platforms in dealing with emerging societal problems and increasing operational efficiencies of social enterprises (SEs). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review of its kind, offering unique perspectives at the nexus of social media platforms and SE’s performance. Collapse

Topics: social media crowdsourcing marketing management crowdfunding digital platform

Methods: literature sample bibliometric analysis literature study structured literature research co-citation analysis

Theories: structuration theory dynamic capabilities theory

A Taxonomy of Algorithmic Control Systems

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Alizadeh, Armin; Hirsch, Felix; Jiang, Jennifer; Wiener, Martin; Benlian, Alexander

Abstract: Algorithmic control (AC) uses digital technologies and advanced algorithms to c ... Expand

Abstract: Algorithmic control (AC) uses digital technologies and advanced algorithms to control workers and is rapidly becoming a central component of modern work environments.While previous research has explored the implications of AC by examining its specific forms, mechanisms, or functions, this research argues for a broader understanding of AC as socio-technical systems, explicitly considering the technological and organizational characteristics of AC. The overarching goal of this study is to identify and conceptualize the core dimensions and respective characteristics of AC systems. To achieve this goal, we develop a taxonomy based on a review of prior literature and an analysis of 21 empirical examples. Furthermore, we demonstrate the application and usefulness of the derived taxonomy by applying it to three real-world AC systems. By adopting a holistic system perspective and developing a validated taxonomy, our study contributes to the theoretical understanding of AC systems and sets the stage for deeper exploration in future research. Collapse

Topics: organizational control organizational context computer hardware information technology capability Uber

Methods: literature study case study theory development computational algorithm

Theories: socio technical theory

Beyond a Fistful of Tumblers: Toward a Taxonomy of Ethereum-based Mixers

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Barbereau, Tom; Ermolaev, Egor; Brennecke, Martin; Hartwich, Eduard; Sedlmeir, Johannes

Abstract: The role played by decentralised services in the obfuscation of crypto-asset tr ... Expand

Abstract: The role played by decentralised services in the obfuscation of crypto-asset transactions performed on transparent blockchains has increasingly captured the attention of regulators. This is exemplified by the headlines about the U.S. Treasury's sanctions on the Ethereum-based mixer Tornado Cash. Yet, despite the existing controversies on the use of mixers, the different functionalities of these information systems with an inherent dark side remain to be explored by the literature. So far, contributions primarily encompass technical works and studies that focus on the Bitcoin ecosystem. This paper puts forward a multi-layer taxonomy of the smart-contract-based -and, therefore, functionally richer -family of mixers on Ethereum. Our proposed taxonomy is grounded on (1) a review of existing literature, (2) an analysis of mixers' project documentation, (3) their corresponding smart contracts, and (4) expert interviews. Our evaluation included the application of the taxonomy to two mixers -RAILGUN and zkBob. The taxonomy represents a valuable tool for law enforcement, regulators, and other stakeholders to explore critical properties affecting compliance and use of Ethereum-based mixers. Collapse

Topics: Ethereum smart contract cryptoasset blockchain user experience

Methods: qualitative interview theoretical contribution mixed method

Examining the Use of Blockchain Technology in Virtual Worlds: A Socio-Technical Systems Perspective

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Augustin, Nils; Durani, Khalid; Kollmer, Tim; Eckhardt, Andreas

Abstract: Recent developments, including the rebranding of Facebook to Meta, have led to l ... Expand

Abstract: Recent developments, including the rebranding of Facebook to Meta, have led to large-scale media attention on the phenomenon of the Metaverse. Although not being a new phenomenon in Information Systems (IS) research, many intricacies in virtual worlds remain unexplored. In particular , prior research has directed attention to users‘ lack of ownership rights, creating tension between the creator and user. To solve this tension, we argue that blockchain technology can potentially help to structure ownership rights. Therefore, our research explores a blockchain-based Metaverse through the socio-technical system lens. Our study highlights that, in the underlying case, the use of blockchain technology goes beyond the application of Non- Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and can also be found in the general organizational structure, blurring the boundaries of existing stakeholders. Our work contributes to research by providing a gaze into blockchain-based Metaverses and highlighting the potential application and benefit of the technology in virtual worlds. Collapse

Topics: blockchain virtual reality virtual world organization structure non-fungible token

Methods: case study single case study

Theories: socio technical theory sociotechnical systems theory

Non-ownership business models in the manufacturing industry: Uncertainty-exploiting versus uncertainty-mitigating designs and the role of context factors

2023 | Electronic Markets | Citations: 0

Authors: Bock, Maximilian; Wiener, Martin; Saunders, Carol

Abstract: With the emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things, a growing number of man ... Expand

Abstract: With the emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things, a growing number of manufacturing firms has started to adopt non-ownership business models (NOBMs). NOBM providers maintain ownership of offered machinery and sell only the machine use and/or performance as a service to their clients. While the adoption of NOBMs is found to be associated with novel business opportunities related to client-side uncertainties, it is also found to result in a considerable increase in provider-side uncertainties. Drawing on a multiple-case study with three leading manufacturers, we find notable differences in terms of NOBM designs, ranging from a primary focus on exploiting client-side uncertainties to a primary focus on mitigating provider-side uncertainties. Moreover, our study uncovers four context factors that help explain key differences in NOBM designs. In particular, we identify two machine attributes (human dependency and energy efficiency) and two market attributes (average client size and antitrust regulations) that “push” providers toward either uncertainty-exploiting or uncertainty-mitigating NOBM designs. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Collapse

Topics: price management electronic mail blog logistics management value creation

Methods: qualitative interview case study triangulation company material multiple case study

Theories: service-dominant logic

Editor's Comments: Editing Innovation in MIS Quarterly

2023 | Management Information Systems Quarterly | Citations: 0

Authors: Burton-Jones, Andrew

Abstract: ... Expand

Abstract: Collapse

Topics: innovation management generative AI IS discipline brainstorming knowledge sharing

Methods: design science

Theories: semiotic theory

Understanding the Digital Companions of Our Future Generation

2023 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 1

Authors: Chandra Kruse, Leona; Bergener, Katrin; Conboy, Kieran; Lundström, Jenny; Maedche, Alexander; Sarker, Suprateek; Seeber, Isabella; Stein, Armin; Tømte, Cathrine

Abstract: The main protagonist in Kazuo Ishiguro's latest novel is Klara, an artificial f ... Expand

Abstract: The main protagonist in Kazuo Ishiguro's latest novel is Klara, an artificial friend whose existential goal is to be a child's companion. Some aspects of this fictional narrative have begun to gradually enter our daily lives. Products reminiscent of Klara are available abundantly on the market: smart toys, adaptive learning applications, and companion robots. Children can relate to these products and perform activities together with them. Preliminary research has shown fundamental differences between existing technologies and these emerging children's digital companions. However, we still do not know much about their benefits and risks. This paper explores different and even contradicting perspectives on the phenomenon. We present the discussion from four perspectives -1) temporality, 2) use, 3) trust and ethics, and 4) sociotechnical design -and conclude the paper with an agenda for interdisciplinary IS research. The agenda points to the need for a psychological, medical, engineering, and temporal research community to understand this emerging sociotechnical phenomenon and design its future for the better. Collapse

Topics: online learning system conversational agent privacy blog electronic commerce

Methods: computational algorithm

Token Incentives in a Volatile Crypto Market: The Effects of Token Price Volatility on User Contribution

2023 | Journal of Management Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Chen, Kun; Fan, Yifan; Liao, Shaoyi Stephen

Abstract: Crypto tokens, issued and managed via smart contracts, function as rewards in bl ... Expand

Abstract: Crypto tokens, issued and managed via smart contracts, function as rewards in blockchain systems to encourage user participation. Distinct from monetary incentives, token incentives are uncertain in reward magnitude due to the large swings in token prices on crypto markets. By focusing on token price volatility, this study investigates how the reward uncertainty affects user contribution in a tokenized digital platform. Our empirical setting is Steemit, a platform where bloggers write posts and share token rewards based on their posts' popularity. We find that while high token price volatility induces a large volume of blog posts, it diminishes post quality. The dichotomous effects are explained via two mechanisms: users' direct reactions to reward uncertainties and their indirect reactions, mediated by altered token preference amid volatility shocks. Deeply exploring this dynamic process, our results reveal that token price volatility facilitates a platform's network short-term effect but impairs long-term user creativity. Our empirical findings thus extend the literature on blockchain economics and cryptocurrencies and have practical implications for the design of incentive mechanisms on tokenized digital platforms. Collapse

Topics: blog blockchain digital platform cryptocurrency user behavior

Methods: longitudinal research instrumental variables estimation data transformation principal component analysis vector autoregression

Theories: motivation crowding theory

Search & Verify: Misinformation and source evaluations in Internet search results

2023 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Dennis, Alan R.; Moravec, Patricia L.; Kim, Antino

Abstract: In response to online misinformation, source rating services evaluate thousands ... Expand

Abstract: In response to online misinformation, source rating services evaluate thousands of popular websites, mark them as reputable or disreputable, and provide detailed information explaining their evaluations. In this paper, we examine the effects of news source evaluations by experts as well as crowd-sourced information (i.e., Wikipedia) on beliefs in political news that appears in Internet search results. Through two online experiments, we inves­ tigate the effects of providing a simple source-evaluation flag or a flag with more detailed supporting information explaining the evaluation. We found that negative flags from expert fact-checkers reduced users' beliefs, and supporting information had no additional effect; in contrast, positive flags required information beyond the simple flag to have maximum effectiveness. Positive and negative crowd-sourced information had similar effects but was weaker than evaluations from experts. Thus, we conclude that providing additional information to support source evaluation flags is important to give users confidence in reputable websites. Collapse

Topics: Wikipedia internet technology crowdsourcing fake news blog

Methods: theory development linear regression analysis experiment post-hoc analysis survey

Theories: argumentation theory