What do growing early-stage digital start-ups look like? A mixed-methods approach

2023 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Griva, Anastasia; Kotsopoulos, Dimosthenis; Karagiannaki, Angeliki; Zamani, Efpraxia D.

Abstract: Digital entrepreneurship is one of the most important and impactful forms of ent ... Expand

Abstract: Digital entrepreneurship is one of the most important and impactful forms of entrepreneurship. However, the majority of digital start-ups fail to scale, despite their potential to achieve growth. Moreover, what constitutes growth is significantly different for start-ups as compared with established firms: they have limited financial performance, and their growth cannot be accurately measured by metrics such as customers, revenues, profits, and turnover at the early stages of the new venture creation process or before the start-up has reached sus­ tainability. Therefore, the first objective of this research is to contribute to the definition of growth by examining less tangible dimensions of growth. Moreover, the second objective is to identify the characteristics of early-stage digital start-ups experiencing growth. Based on a mixed-methods approach, which combines an adapted Delphi study, a questionnaire-based survey, and a comparative case study, our results suggest that growing digital startups exhibit a set of characteristics that include: an agile culture combining clan with adhocracy; the ability to nurture their absorptive, innovative, and adaptive capabilities effectively; and a human capital with adequate entrepreneurial skills, emotional attachment to and fitness with the start-up. Collapse

Topics: digital entrepreneurship human resource management entrepreneurship innovation management absorptive capacity

Methods: survey delphi study mixed method qualitative interview case study

Theories: dynamic capabilities theory

Ghost in the Machine: Theorizing data knowledge in the Age of Intelligent Technologies

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Koukouvinou, Panagiota; Ademaj, Gemza; Sarker, Saonee; Holmström, Jonny

Abstract: AI technologies have led to new ways of thinking about data, knowledge, and org ... Expand

Abstract: AI technologies have led to new ways of thinking about data, knowledge, and organizations. Despite the arguments that data speak for themselves, the era of datafication demands revisiting data and knowledge and reflecting on new ways of theorizing. Collapse

Topics: artificial intelligence sensemaking data literacy organizational context

Methods: theory development literature sample structured literature research qualitative coding digital trace data

Primer for Experimental Methods in Organization Theory

2023 | Organization Science | Citations: 0

Authors: Levine, Sheen S.; Schilke, Oliver; Kacperczyk, Olenka; Zucker, Lynne G.

Abstract: Experiments have long played a crucial role in various scientific disciplines an ... Expand

Abstract: Experiments have long played a crucial role in various scientific disciplines and have been gaining ground in organization theory, where they add unique value by establishing causality and uncovering theoretical mechanisms. This essay provides an overview of the merits and procedures of the experimental methodology, with an emphasis on its application to organization theory. Drawing on the historical roots of experiments and their impact across science, we argue the method holds immense potential for furthering organization theory. We highlight key advantages of experimental methods, including high internal and construct validity, vividness in communicating findings, the capacity to examine complex and understudied phenomena, and the identification of microfoundations and theoretical mechanisms. We alleviate some concerns about external validity and offer guidance for designing and conducting sound, reproducible experimental research. Ultimately, we contend that the current experimental turn holds the potential to reorient organization theory.History: This paper has been accepted for the Organization Science Special Issue on Experiments in Organizational Theory.Funding: This work was supported by the Otto Moensted Foundation, which granted the Otto Moensted Visiting Professorship to S. S. Levine, and a National Science Foundation CAREER Award from the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences [Grant 1943688] to O. Schilke.Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2023.18093. Collapse

Topics: electronic mail behavioral intention innovation management anonymity social network

Methods: experiment survey statistical hypothesis test post-hoc analysis theory development

Theories: organizational theory behavioral economics

Digital transparency and the usefulness for open government

2023 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Matheus, Ricardo; Faber, Roel; Ismagilova, Elvira; Janssen, Marijn

Abstract: Open Government efforts are criticized for providing limited value. Instead of l ... Expand

Abstract: Open Government efforts are criticized for providing limited value. Instead of looking at a value, we investigate the usefulness of web-based open government portals and apps. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between digital transparency and usefulness. We analyzed perceived digital transparency and usefulness in a survey of 112 respondents using Partial Least Square (PLS) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results show that perceived functionality, transparency, and efficiency influence usefulness but that functionality of apps and efficiency are more important than transparency. Usefulness can be created without having high levels of transparency, as the public wants answers to their questions. Apps should be designed for efficient use, as users have limited time and resources. Apps having pre-defined functional views can be useful to provide quick insight but might limit transparency by not offering other views and insights. Opening raw data using portals can provide higher levels of transparency, although more time and effort are needed to analyze. Both portals providing access to raw data and apps having pre-defined views are needed for open government and trans­ parency as they serve other stakeholder groups and purposes. Collapse

Topics: mobile application perceived usefulness website open data government system

Methods: survey partial least squares regression structural equation modeling data transformation statistical hypothesis test

Applying the AHP to Conflict Resolution: A Russia—NATO Case Study

2023 | Group Decision and Negotiation | Citations: 0

Authors: Minutolo, Marcel C.; Vargas, Luis G.; Guiora, Amos N.; Ray, Madhury

Abstract: In this paper, we apply the Analytic Hierarchy Process approach to conflict reso ... Expand

Abstract: In this paper, we apply the Analytic Hierarchy Process approach to conflict resolution in the context of the Russia–Ukraine conflict. We build models that illustrate the evaluation criteria, strategic and sub-criteria, and concessions for each party in this negotiation. Ratings are used to evaluate the degree to which concessions contribute or take away from successful resolution of the conflict. Afterwards, gain ratios are built to determine the benefit-cost scores so that concessions may be traded that result in equitable solutions. The approach presented here demonstrates for the first time why all concessions that parties to a conflict may offer might not trade all at once. A Max–Min optimization approach is used to maximize the gain to both parties of the conflict while minimizing the disparity in gain between the two. Collapse

Topics: evaluation criteria

Methods: trade-off analysis method analytic hierarchy process multiple criteria decision making sensitivity analysis linear optimization

Theories: theory of economic growth

DRIVERS AND OUTCOMES OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY OF 4 EU COUNTRIES

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Neves, Catarina; Oliveira, Tiago

Abstract: Nowadays, given the growing global environmental problems, several mitigation s ... Expand

Abstract: Nowadays, given the growing global environmental problems, several mitigation strategies have been developed, putting technology at the centre of them. Thus, studies that investigate the antecedents of sustainable technology use are of primary interest as a way to increase the use of these solutions. On the other hand, sustainable technologies post-adoption studies are still very scarce in the literature, especially regarding both humanistic and instrumental outcomes. Therefore, a research model is developed to understand the main drivers and outcomes of sustainable technology use. Given the wide range of antecedents of use, a mixed methods design is adopted in an attempt to provide deeper insights into the phenomenon. The model is then tested with data from four European Union countries.These questions are addressed by drawing on the belief-action-outcome framework to understand both the antecedents and outcomes of sustainable technology use. Despite the rich body of literature on the Sustainable technologies' drivers and outcomes Collapse

Topics: green IS cognitive absorption information system use energy information system social influence

Methods: qualitative interview survey mixed method qualitative coding

Tragedy, Truth, and Technology: The 3T Theory of Social Media-Driven Misinformation

2023 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Roberts, Nicholas; Qahri-Saremi, Hamed

Abstract: False claims and misinformation on social media have substantially increased in ... Expand

Abstract: False claims and misinformation on social media have substantially increased in the last few years. Some people have incorrectly interpreted such content as the truth, sometimes to the extent that it transforms their view of reality and subsequently leads to actions that cause harm and suffering. Despite the burgeoning body of research on misinformation on social media, we know little about the process by which social media-driven misinformation shapes and reinforces false beliefs that result in detrimental outcomes. Building on insights from dramaturgical tragedy, theories of truth, and research on social media, we develop a process theory that explains how social media-driven misinformation transforms a person's view of reality in a way that leads to detrimental human action. Collapse

Topics: social media misinformation anonymity disinformation

Methods: business process modeling theory development boosting method

Theories: correspondence theory of truth

Fairness in Algorithmic Management: How Practices Promote Fairness and Redress Unfairness on Digital Labor Platforms

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Schulze, L.; Trenz, M.; Cai, Z.; Tan, C.

Abstract: Algorithmic management (AM) is employed on digital labor platforms (DLPs) to e ... Expand

Abstract: Algorithmic management (AM) is employed on digital labor platforms (DLPs) to efficiently manage interactions between workers and clients. However, AM comes with ethical challenges, such as unfairness. Identifying best practices that counter these challenges promises to deliver actionable solutions. Therefore, we identify AM practices that workers deem particularly fair. We conduct seven online focus groups with a diverse set of platform workers and analyze the data through an organizational justice lens. Our findings reveal that AM practices can promote fairness by providing information, empowering workers, or autonomously executing tasks in their interest. Alternatively, in the case unfairness occurred, AM practices can redress unfairness. These practices include delegating dispute resolution to the involved actors, investigating evidence, and autonomously determining restorative consequences. Our findings have theoretical implications for fairness in algorithms, AM, and organizational justice literature. They might also be adopted in practice to improve workers' conditions on DLPs. Collapse

Topics: decision making ride sharing platform video conference platform work WeChat

Methods: focus group computational algorithm grounded theory qualitative coding group interview

Digital transformation and European small and medium enterprises (SMEs): A comparative study using digital economy and society index data

2023 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 1

Authors: Skare, Marinko; de las Mercedes de Obesso, María; Ribeiro-Navarrete, Samuel

Abstract: Digital transformation is profoundly transforming SMEs’ business activities, bri ... Expand

Abstract: Digital transformation is profoundly transforming SMEs’ business activities, bringing about comparative ad­ vantages and associated risks. Previous studies on digital transformation and SMEs focus on technology adoption, innovation, new value creation, and dynamic capabilities. However, it is unclear how digital technology affects SMEs’ specific business activities. We study SMEs’ customer access, increasing competition, external funding or access to finance, rising input costs, skilled labor shortages, exogenous shocks, global crises, and regulatory is­ sues. This study aims to fill the literature gap by exploring the impact of digital technology, using digital economy and society index (DESI) as proxies for the SME issues. We use DESI and SME data from a survey on European enterprises’ access to finance. We find that digital transformation strengthens SMEs’ ability and flexibility to address main business issues. Furthermore, findings reveal that digitally transformed SMEs have fewer concerns about access to new and traditional customers, competition changes, access to finance, increasing input costs, external shocks, and regulatory changes. However, digital transformation also brings risks, such as the shortage of skilled labor and experienced managers and loss of inherent competitiveness. The novelty of our work lies in supplying quantitative knowledge on the link between digital transformation and European SMEs’ critical business concerns. These findings substantially increase our understanding of the impact of digital change on European SMEs’ business activities. Collapse

Topics: digital transformation database system pandemic business model supply chain management

Methods: cross sectional research survey Wald test data modeling design science

Digital Identity Wallets and their Semantic Contradictions

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Smethurst, Reilly

Abstract: In the fight for individual privacy against online surveillance and personal da ... Expand

Abstract: In the fight for individual privacy against online surveillance and personal data breaches, blockchain developers often pitch encrypted wallets as solutions. Five examples from 2021 and 2022 involve BigTech companies or large European governments. On the private side, Jack Dorsey's Block company announced the Web5 Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) Service. Meta and Twitter added support for fictional identities -tokenised avatars or profile pictures like Bored Apes and CryptoPunks, registered to Web3 wallets that putatively offer "self-sovereign ownership". On the public side, the European Commission funded SSI wallet trials for digital diploma credentials. Germany's federal government launched a mobile driving licence (mDL), stored in a SSI wallet. This one term, "SSI", is associated with varying sets of technologies and ethical principles. Following complaints that "SSI" generates confusion, I offer a typology that highlights four semantic contradictions as well as a concept map to guide future research. Collapse

Topics: web3 privacy