article

Successful Information System Development in Relation to Situational Factors Which Affect Effective Communication Between MIS-Users and EDP-Specialists

Authors:

B. De Brabander,

G. ThiersAuthors Info & Claims

Management Science, Volume 30, Issue 2

Pages 137 - 155

https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.30.2.137

Published: 01 February 1984 Publication History

Abstract

The paper describes the results of an experimental test of a theoretical model which explains under what circumstances the interaction between MIS-users and EDP-specialists during the design of an information system will lead to success i.e., efficient task-accomplishment. The research also includes an experiment about the influence of a third party playing different kinds of mediating roles. The results confirm the theoretical model. They are also corroborated by the findings in two case studies in a car-manufacturing firm, briefly discussed at the end of the paper.

It appears that the users of the information system who have to deal with EDP-specialists having sanctionary power over them a case of power asymmetry are less inclined to implement the system exactly as the user and the specialist had agreed upon, than users not so dependent upon the EDP-specialist i.e., no power asymmetry. This effect seems to be more pronounced when there exists a semantic gap between the user and the specialist i.e., when they use different concepts for the task. Moreover, such defective implementation behavior i.e., not adhere to the plan seems to entail less efficient task-accomplishment.

As predicted by the model, the presence of a third party which stimulates the user to neglect the possible implications of power asymmetry so that effective communication among the parties is reestablished nullifies the disturbing effect of power asymmetry and semantic gap mentioned above. Some organizational design implications of the findings are discussed.

References

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Published In

cover image Management Science

Management Science Volume 30, Issue 2

February 1984

136 pages

ISSN:0025-1909

Issue’s Table of Contents

Publisher

INFORMS

Linthicum, MD, United States

Publication History

Published: 01 February 1984

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Cited By

Chen PLin HLai H(2023)The Effectiveness of Using an Internet App for Repair Work Requests: A Case Study of a HospitalWireless Personal Communications: An International Journal10.1007/s11277-023-10306-6130:1(693-705)Online publication date: 20-Mar-2023
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/s11277-023-10306-6
Abelein UPaech B(2015)Understanding the Influence of User Participation and Involvement on System Success – a Systematic Mapping StudyEmpirical Software Engineering10.1007/s10664-013-9278-420:1(28-81)Online publication date: 1-Feb-2015
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/s10664-013-9278-4
Wei HWei C(2011)Analysis of Success Factors of Introducing SAP System for ERP Implementation in Small and Midsize Enterprises in TaiwanInternational Journal of Digital Library Systems10.4018/jdls.20110101012:1(1-37)Online publication date: 1-Jan-2011
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.4018/jdls.2011010101
Boone CHendriks W(2009)Top Management Team Diversity and Firm PerformanceManagement Science10.1287/mnsc.1080.089955:2(165-180)Online publication date: 1-Feb-2009
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1287/mnsc.1080.0899
Clark TJones MArmstrong C(2007)The dynamic structure of management support systemsMIS Quarterly10.5555/2017336.201734431:3(579-615)Online publication date: 1-Sep-2007
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Biehl M(2007)Success factors for implementing global information systemsCommunications of the ACM10.1145/1188913.118891750:1(52-58)Online publication date: 1-Jan-2007
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Guimaraes TStaples DMcKeen J(2004)Important human factors for systems development successStrategies for managing IS/IT personnel10.5555/969812.969828(300-320)Online publication date: 1-Jan-2004
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Amoako-Gyampah KSalam A(2004)An extension of the technology acceptance model in an ERP implementation environmentInformation and Management10.1016/j.im.2003.08.01041:6(731-745)Online publication date: 1-Jul-2004
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Cormack SCater-Steel A(2003)Prescription to remedy the IT-business relationshipSocio-technical and human cognition elements of information systems10.5555/766867.766880(181-202)Online publication date: 1-Jan-2003
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