When Institutional Logics Meet Information and Communication Technologies: Examining Hybrid Information Practices in Ghana’s Agriculture

2018 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Slavova, Mira; Karanasios, Stan

Abstract: In this paper, we describe how changes in the availability of information artifa ... Expand

Abstract: In this paper, we describe how changes in the availability of information artifacts—in particular, information and communication technologies (ICTs)—among smallholder farmers in Ghana, led to a process of hybridization of information practices, and how this process could be linked to underlying institutional change. We use the notions of institutional carriers and activity systems to study the evolution of the prevailing “smallholder” institutional logic of Ghanaian agriculture toward an incoming “value-chain” institutional logic concerned with linking farmers to output markets, improving the knowledge base in agriculture, and increasing its information intensity. We draw on a mixed-methods approach, including in-depth qualitative interviews, focus groups, observations, and detailed secondary quantitative data. We cultivate activity theory as a practice-based lens for structuring inquiry into institutional change. We find that information artifacts served to link the activities of farmers that were embedded in the smallholder logic with those of agriculturaldevelopment actors that promoted the value-chain logic. Hybridization occurred through the use of artifacts with different interaction modalities. In terms of conceptualizing change, our findings suggest that hybridization of the two logics may be an intermediary point in the long transition from the smallholder toward the valuechain logic. Collapse

Topics: internet technology mobile phone information system use usability personalization

Methods: mixed method qualitative interview field study survey focus group

Theories: activity theory institutional theory

Regional ICT access and entrepreneurship: Evidence from China

2018 | Information & Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Zhang, Feng; Li, Dahui

Abstract: Entrepreneurship has become increasingly important for innovations and economic ... Expand

Abstract: Entrepreneurship has become increasingly important for innovations and economic development. However, there is limited information systems research examining the role of regional ICT for entrepreneurs. This study investigates the direct effect of regional ICT access on individuals’ entrepreneurial performance and the interaction effect between regional ICT access and guanxi in the context of Chinese business and economy. Drawing upon a matched large-scale dataset, we found that regional ICT access in terms of access to the Internet, fixed phone, and mobile phone had a significant impact on performance. Furthermore, regional ICT access had a positive interaction effect with guanxi. Collapse

Topics: entrepreneurship internet technology communication service infrastructure mobile phone information technology infrastructure

Methods: survey robustness check descriptive statistic regression analysis method theoretical contribution

Theories: social capital theory resource based view of the firm

Managing customer relationships through E-business decision support applications: a case of hospital–physician collaboration

2001 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Kohli, Rajiv; Piontek, Frank; Ellington, Tim; VanOsdol, Tom; Shepard, Marylou; Brazel, Gary

Abstract: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a valuable concept for hospitals to es ... Expand

Abstract: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a valuable concept for hospitals to establish long-term physician relationships. Given predetermined reimbursement amounts, clinical interventions by physicians can significantly impact hospital profitability and quality. Therefore, disseminating quality and cost information to physicians can build lasting relationships, while insuring financial stability. This paper presents a CRM approach adopted by a hospital through a web-based Physician Profiling System (PPS). We discuss physician involvement in PPS development and present a high-level cost-benefit analysis. Post-deployment results indicate that PPS strengthened relationship with physicians, improved efficiency of clinical operations, while simultaneously improving patient satisfaction. Collapse

Topics: cost benefit analysis decision making customer relationship management system boundary spanning health information system

Methods: case study archival research