Introduction to the Social-Technical Issues in Organizational Information Technologies Minitrack Organizational Systems and Technology Track HICSS-54

2021 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Vieru, Dragos; Westergren, Ulrika H; Vidolov, Simeon

Abstract: The Social-Technical Issues in Organizational Information Technologies minitrac ... Expand

Abstract: The Social-Technical Issues in Organizational Information Technologies minitrack focuses on information systems research areas impacting the intersection of humans and technology in an organizational context. Social issues related to organizational information technologies (IT) represent one of the most often discussed underpinnings in information systems research throughout the tenure of the information systems (IS) field, and cover research topics that are closely aligned with the human factor in terms of information systems planning, development, innovation, implementation, and utilization. These topics are addressed either by conceptualizing of specific social-technical issues and their processes of emerging and enacting/performing, or by engaging in empirical illustration and/or validation of established or new conceptual perspectives.Papers in the last several years have addressed issues such as conflicting roles of CIOs, open innovation and dynamic capabilities, job stress in the context of software development, technical security issues, diversity in organizational social media adoption, and organizational culture and leadership, as well as matchmaking issues in platform ecosystems, IT management strategies, and post-merger integration practices.This year's minitrack papers have a common focus on digital transformation and organizational change, examining organizational practices, strategies and stressors in relation to the digitalization of both workplaces and personal communication. For HICSS-54, eight papers (five empirical and three conceptual) were accepted for presentation.Paper 1: Managing Digital Transformation with Sociotechnical Micro-Foundations: A Dynamic Capabilities Approach, is an in-depth case study of the digital transformation of a large hotel chain over a five-year period. The authors introduce and then empirically analyze the sociotechnical microfoundation concept. The outcomes show that sociotechnical micro-foundations were identified in each of the three organizational capacities, -sensing, seizing, reconfiguring -, that enabled the hotel chain's digital transformation.Paper 2: Acceptance of Anthropomorphic Technology: A Literature Review, examines the anthropomorphic technology (AT), a technology that is human-like in design and motivates anthropomorphism. The paper provides a systematic literature review that synthesizes studies on user responses to AT published in major IS journals. This conceptual paper advances a formal categorization of the different categories of anthropomorphic design and identifies the moderators influencing user response to AT.Paper 3: Developing Ambidextrous Routines in the IT Service Provider Industry, explores ambidextrous practices and distinctive leadership styles in interorganizational settings of two SME IT service providers. Drawing on the theory of routines-aspractices and on the organizational ambidexterity, the authors identify two distinct modes of contextual ambidexterity: 'exploration for exploitation' and 'exploration through exploitation'. This empirical paper provides a context-specific illustration of how the two firms adapted to their environment, shaped their value propositions and the underlying structures and processes of delivery in order to successfully balance exploitation and exploration activities.Paper 4: Context-Aware Digitalization -Adapting solution development to the organizational context of SMEs, identifies the lack of knowledge about which IS development method (ISDM) is most suitable for a specific project as one of the reasons that ISD projects fail. This conceptual paper integrates elements from the literatures on digital business development and IS development and proposes a conceptual model for selecting the ISDM in various business settings in the context of small and medium enterprises (SME). Collapse

Topics: digital transformation value creation digital business systems development perceived usefulness

Methods: conceptual modelling literature study structured literature research survey case study

Theories: ambidexterity theory dynamic capabilities theory

Servitization implementation in the manufacturing organisations: Classification of strategies, definitions, benefits and challenges

2020 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 3

Authors: Kamal, Muhammad Mustafa; Sivarajah, Uthayasankar; Bigdeli, Ali Ziaee; Missi, Farouk; Koliousis, Yannis

Abstract: The integration of products and services into a bundled product/service offering ... Expand

Abstract: The integration of products and services into a bundled product/service offering by manufacturing organisations is seen as a global trend in today’s competitive business environment. The shift of product-based manufacturers towards offering business solutions and value-added services to consumers is termed as ‘Servitization’. Contrary to the potential benefits expected by adding service activities to the offerings, advocates voice their concerns towards experiential problems and challenges in employing the servitization strategy – termed as ‘Servitization Paradox’. Nevertheless, the shift from product-based delivery to a service-based provision has the potential to significantly impact on developing sustainable and eco-friendly environment. To provide greater insights to the servitization phenomenon, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the servitization implementation in manufacturing organisations. In order to respond to the latter, we propose the following three research questions “Q1 – what are the different types of servitization strategies”, “Q2 – what are the different servitization definitions”, “Q3 – what are the potential benefits in selecting a servitization strategy?”, “Q4 – what are the challenges in transitioning towards servitization?”. A systematic literature review is carried out to understand the past trends and extant patterns/themes in the servitization strategy research area, evaluate contributions, summarise knowledge, thereby identifying limitations, implications and potential further research avenues. The key findings confirm servitization studies have contributed both conceptually and empirically to the development and accumulation of intellectual wealth to the manufacturing operations and supply chain discipline. Moreover, the findings clearly indicate the potential of servitization in transitioning manufacturing organisations (e.g. benefits) and utilising innovative technologies to generate business value. Nevertheless, some voices are backing further re­ search/development in the area of servitization due to the several existing challenges. Collapse

Topics: business model supply chain management information management production management artificial intelligence

Methods: literature sample literature study synthesis structured literature research design science

An Extended Perspective of Technology Pivots in Software Startups: Towards a Theoretical Model

2018 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 10

Authors: Bohn, Nicolai; Kundisch, Dennis

Abstract: As part of the Lean Startup Approach, technology pivots allow to perform signifi ... Expand

Abstract: As part of the Lean Startup Approach, technology pivots allow to perform significant technological changes during venture creation based on ‘validated learnings’ or external changes. The decision to pivot is, however, notoriously hard to make, especially as a startup’s future business viability will depend on it. It is surprising, then, how little knowledge or empirical data exists on technology pivots. Our study starts to fill this gap by providing a detailed quantitative analysis of technology pivots in software startups. Based on a uniquely large dataset of 91 technology pivots, we summarize findings in a preliminary theoretical model which includes eight antecedent and eleven consequence categories of technology pivots. In a second preliminary theoretical model, we summarize our analysis of the business model impact of technology pivots. Our findings both substantiate existing knowledge and create new avenues for much needed theory development in this area. Collapse

Topics: electronic mail business model knowledge base video game social media

Methods: survey theory development descriptive statistic multiple case study statistical hypothesis test

Business analytics and business value: A comparative case study

2018 | Information & Management | Citations: 35

Authors: Krishnamoorthi, Suryanarayanan; Mathew, Saji K.

Abstract: With growing adoption of business analytics, it is important for investing firms ... Expand

Abstract: With growing adoption of business analytics, it is important for investing firms to understand how business value is created from investments. Studies in IT domain have highlighted how higher investment in technology may not bring more returns, rather how IT as an organizational capability acts as a key mediator in value creation. This research extends the model to business analytics, to identify elements of analytics technology assets and business analytics capability and to understand the mechanism of business value creation using multiple case studies. We capture how analytics resources contribute to business performance by developing operational and organizational performance measures. Collapse

Topics: organizational productivity analytical information system information technology capability decision making value creation

Methods: case study qualitative interview theory development field study survey

Incorporating polarity of relationships in ISM and TISM for theory building in information and organization management

2018 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Sushil

Abstract: Some mapping methods are used for the conceptualization of theories in informati ... Expand

Abstract: Some mapping methods are used for the conceptualization of theories in information and organization management which may help in modeling both feedback and hierarchical structures. Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) is an enhancement of interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to explore hierarchical models that aid in theory building in information and organization management. It is based on pair comparison method to generate a hierarchical digraph, which is then translated into the interpretive model by interpreting both nodes and links in the digraph. The relationships in both ISM and TISM could be binary or fuzzy. However, a missing dimension of these structural models is the polarity or direction of relationships. A relationship between a pair of elements could be having positive or negative polarity. This aspect has been widely used in the feedback structures as causal influence diagrams (CIDs) in system dynamics methodology. This paper is using the learning from CIDs to introduce polarity of relationships in ISM and TISM. The polarity of relationships will further refine ISM/TISM as a more explanatory model for theory building. This enhanced model not only provides hypothesis formulation simply as a driver-dependence relationship but also addresses whether the driving variable(s) will influence the dependent variable positively or negatively. The paper illustrates modified TISM process incorporating polarity with an example in the context of information and organizational change management and discusses the nuances of such an enhanced model. Collapse

Topics: organizational change management organizational change information management

Methods: survey theory development structural equation modeling computational algorithm

Risk –Informed Decision Making in Information System Implementation Projects: Using Qualitative Assessment and Evaluation of Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Risk

2017 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Schurr, Monica; Tuya, Manuel De; Noll, Kathryn

Abstract: The successful implementation of a new software system at any organization requi ... Expand

Abstract: The successful implementation of a new software system at any organization requires identification and management of risks as well as insight into the decision-making process throughout the information system lifecycle. Risk assessment of software systems aids in planning, implementation and adoption stages and helps identify potential problems before they occur. This study utilized a qualitative case study method and an interview design for data collection to gather, organize and make sense of key stakeholders’ perceptions of risk for decision making in the implementation of a new department-wide computerized system. Top stakeholder risks identified include executive sponsorship support; adoption of the new technologies and processes; and interoperability. The results of the analysis of perceptions of risks allowed the organization and the team responsible for the implementation of the new system to make decisions about mitigating strategies aligned with stakeholders’ expectations; forecast potential issues within the implementation timeline based on activities associated with identified risks; and make implementation and process decisions based upon the risk assessment. This study extends the research on IT risk management and decision making by demonstrating the utility and efficacy of a qualitative case study method for eliciting the information needed from stakeholders in order to make decisions regarding system implementation, specifically in an organization that lacks the appropriate risk management maturity level to conduct an exhaustive quantitative analysis of risks associated with the project. Collapse

Topics: decision making risk management spreadsheet systems implementation IT risk management

Methods: qualitative interview case study literature study

A Capability Framework for IT Service Integration and Management in Multi-Sourcing

2015 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Goldberg, Marius; Satzger, Gerhard; Kieninger, Axel

Abstract: Multi-sourcing, the blending of services from multiple external and internal pro ... Expand

Abstract: Multi-sourcing, the blending of services from multiple external and internal providers, has gradually become the standard mode of operation in IT outsourcing. It allows companies to assemble a best-ofbreed provider portfolio and to reduce costs. A key difference between single- and multi-sourcing is the potential interdependence between services delivered by multiple providers. To deliver a seamless service to the client’s business units, various services often need to be integrated and managed as an end-to-end service. This activity is denoted as service integration and management. Many clients, however, are having difficulties implementing and performing this important task. Therefore, we explore which IT capabilities organizations need to build for performing service integration and management. Collapse

Topics: information technology capability outsourcing IT service management organizational change management search engine

Methods: qualitative interview qualitative content analysis focus group literature sample literature study

Theories: core competency theory

Looking Behind the Stage: Influence and Effect of Software-as-a-Service on Socio-technical Elements in Companies

2015 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Jede, Andreas; Teuteberg, Frank

Abstract: With Software-as-a-Services (SaaS), benefits such as cost efficiency and flexibi ... Expand

Abstract: With Software-as-a-Services (SaaS), benefits such as cost efficiency and flexibility gains are associated, which drive decision-makers to increasingly take this technology into account not only for supporting business processes, but also for core business processes. However, the trailing IT organizational impacts of SaaS integrations after the implementation phase often remain hidden. This paper examines the effects of SaaS on the perceived technical change radicalness and the perceived IT organizational changes from the perspective of the socio-technical systems theory. We derive a research model that is suited to IT employees at SaaS using companies to investigate the changes in their daily tasks. The model is tested with data collected from 66 IT employees from various sectors in German-speaking countries. The empirical results indicate that an increasing SaaS usage level leads to instability in the socio-technical balance of using companies. Especially the perceived individual job outcome, a measure for soft facts such as job satisfaction, indicates that SaaS affects internal IT employees in a negative sense. Our valuable findings help management to understand the need for balancing both their willingness for SaaS adoption and the social impacts. The understanding of this interrelation helps the enforcement of more sustainable SaaS implementations. Collapse

Topics: software as a service IT workforce organizational change business process management enterprise architecture

Methods: survey partial least squares regression structural equation modeling cross sectional research qualitative interview

Theories: sociotechnical systems theory organizational behavior theory socio technical theory

A Change for the Better: Realizing Business-IT Alignment Through Organizational Change

2015 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Rozendal, Arjan; Lim, Eric T K; Tan, Chee-Wee

Abstract: Investments in information technology will only yield dividends whenever technol ... Expand

Abstract: Investments in information technology will only yield dividends whenever technological spending complements corporate objectives, a phenomenon termed as business-IT alignment within extant literature. Synthesizing extant literature on business-IT alignment and organizational change, this paper argues for effective change management as a means for organizations to realize business-IT alignment. Findings from a grounded theory study revealed that having clear assessment criteria, promoting information exchange, getting managers to act as role models, expanding the involvement and participation of employees in decision making as well as drawing on positive collaborative experiences in the past bolster the success of change initiatives for realizing business-IT alignment. Conversely, pursuing partisan interest at the expense of the organization, speaking different professional languages, displaying apprehension and hesitation when interacting with one another as well as holding on to misguided technological expectations hinder change management efforts aimed at realizing business-IT alignment. Collapse

Topics: IT alignment change management organizational change information exchange decision making

Methods: qualitative interview case study grounded theory qualitative content analysis personal interview

Changes in Employees' Job Characteristics During an Enterprise System Implementation: A Latent Growth Modeling Perspective

2013 | Management Information Systems Quarterly | Citations: 134

Authors: Bala, Hillol; Venkatesh, Viswanath

Abstract: Enterprise system implementations often create tension in organizations. On the ... Expand

Abstract: Enterprise system implementations often create tension in organizations. On the one hand, these systems can provide significant operational and strategic benefits. On the other hand, implementation of these systems is risky and a source of major disruptions. In particular, employees experience significant changes in their work environment during an implementation. Although the relationship between ES implementations and employees' jobs has been noted in prior research, there is limited research on the nature, extent, determinants, and outcomes of changes in employees' job characteristics following an ES implementation. This paper develops and tests a model, termed the job characteristics change model (JCCM), that posits that employees will experience substantial changes in two job characteristics (i.e., job demands and job control) during the shakedown phase (i.e., immediately after the rollout) of an ES implementation. These changes are theorized to be predicted by work process characteristics, namely perceived process complexity, perceived process rigidity, and perceived process radicalness, that in turn will be influenced by technology characteristics (i.e., perceived technology complexity, perceived technology reconfigurability, and perceived technology customization). JCCM further posits that changes in job characteristics will influence employees' job satisfaction. Longitudinal field studies conducted in two organizations (N = 281 and 141 respectively) provided support for the model. The scientific and practical implications of the findings are discussed. Collapse

Topics: task characteristic job satisfaction business process management enterprise resource planning organizational change

Methods: factor analysis survey theory development longitudinal research descriptive statistic