Introduction to the Minitrack on Crowd-based Platforms

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Chen, Pei-Yu; Huang, Nina; Gu, Bin

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Topics: crowdsourcing crowdfunding platform worker social media online labor market

Methods: difference in differences natural language processing longitudinal research natural experiment machine learning

Theories: signaling theory theory of affordance lemon market theory

A Bitter Pill to Swallow? The Consequences of Patient Evaluation in Online Health Question-and-Answer Platforms

2023 | Information Systems Research | Citations: 0

Authors: Chen, Chen; Walker, Dylan

Abstract: Online health question-and-answer (Q&A) platforms (OHQPs), where patients post h ... Expand

Abstract: Online health question-and-answer (Q&A) platforms (OHQPs), where patients post health-related questions, evaluate advice from multiple doctors, and direct a bounty (monetary reward) to their most preferred answer, have become a prominent channel for patients to receive medical advice in China. To explore the quality of medical advice on these platforms, we analyzed data on patients’ evaluation of ∼497,000 answers to ∼114,000 questions on one of the most popular OHQPs, 120ask.com, over a three-month period. We assembled a panel of independent physicians and instructed them to evaluate the quality of ∼13,000 answers. We found that the quality of medical advice offered on the platform was high on average, and that low-quality answers were rare (6%). However, our results also indicate that patients lacked the ability to discriminate advice quality. They were as likely to choose the best answer as the worst. The medical accuracy of patient evaluation was worse in critical categories (cancer, internal medicine) and for vulnerable subpopulations (pediatrics). Given that millions of patients seek medical advice from OHQPs in China annually, the social and economic implications of this finding are troubling. To understand how patients evaluate advice, we trained deep neural networks to think like patients, allowing us to identify patients’ positive and negative responses to different heurist cues. Although our results indicate that OHQPs perform well, we identified several concerns that should be addressed through platform design and policy changes. Because the Q&A process lacks peer review mechanisms, signals of advice quality are not conveyed to patients, forcing them to rely on heuristic cues, which cannot effectively guide them toward the best advice. We also found that the platform reputation metric was not correlated with the quality of the advice giver’s advice, may effectively encourage patients to select lesser quality medical advice, and increased the risk of moral hazard for malicious players to intentionally provide less accurate but more agreeable advice for personal gain. Our analysis revealed bad actors on the platform, including drug promoters and spammers. Finally, we found that OHQPs exacerbated care avoidance. We discuss several potential policy changes to address these shortcomings. History: Param Singh, Senior Editor; Idris Adjerid, Associate Editor. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2022.1158. Collapse

Topics: decision making local interpretable model agnostic explanation digital platform health information system pandemic

Methods: artificial neural network psychometrics survey deep learning natural language processing

Theories: lemon market theory

Blockchain-based Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance for Fractional Ownership: Design and Implementation of A Decentralized Autonomous Agent System

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Cu, Mina; Peko, Gabrielle; Chan, Johnny; Sundaram, David

Abstract: Fractional ownership makes homeownership more affordable. But there are challeng ... Expand

Abstract: Fractional ownership makes homeownership more affordable. But there are challenges in a fractional ownership real estate transaction (FORET) regarding governance, risk management and compliance (GRC) processes. Centralized GRC solutions are less effective in managing the tiered structure of communications in a FORET, which can lead to principal-agent problems such as information asymmetry, risk aversion, and moral hazard. In this research we investigate how these principal-agent problems in FORET could be mitigated. Using an agency theory perspective, we adopt a design science multimethodological research approach. We propose conceptual and system artefacts to support the design and implementation of a decentralized autonomous agent system. These artefacts deliver a formal problem representation structure related to centralized GRC in fractional ownership. We illustrate our solution with a system prototype and implementation. We evaluate the research outputs and compare them with existing GRC systems. This paper contributes to the understanding of GRC in supporting fractional ownership decision making. Collapse

Topics: blockchain decision making cloud computing smart contract moral hazard

Methods: design artifact design artifact testing design science field study theory development

Theories: agency theory lemon market theory

Identifying the patterns: Towards a systematic approach to digital platform regulation

2023 | Journal of Information Technology | Citations: 3

Authors: Gleiss, Alexander; Degen, Konrad; Pousttchi, Key

Abstract: Digital platforms have proven to be efficient matchmakers in our networked econo ... Expand

Abstract: Digital platforms have proven to be efficient matchmakers in our networked economy and society. However, their tremendous potential is a double-edged sword, and concerns about their malpractices and negative impact have risen remarkably. In the light of practical relevance, research on digital platform regulation (DPR) did not contribute very much. Especially information systems (IS) which, as a discipline, seems predestined to explain the problems at the confluence of technology–economy–society, has barely grazed the issue of DPR. Particularly, a contribution is missing that at least explores the problems with digital platforms systematically and comprehensively. In response to this aim, we pursue a two-step approach: First, we apply qualitative meta-analysis of 211 cases as well as a number of regulation papers and actual regulation endeavors to identify and conceptualize the problem scope and potential regulatory approaches for platform problems. Second, we condense our findings into a conceptual model. Our findings show that digital platforms exploit both platform- and monopoly-related problems to assert themselves in different markets. Through their impactful platform governance, they even have become serious challengers to the regulator in controlling market access, key conditions, and resources. At this, they rely on the efficient use of data and digital technologies to effectively orchestrate platform agents and their transactions. The outcome of the paper is a set of two structured instruments that fill a void in interdisciplinary research and provide support to DPR practitioners for a systematic approach to regulation. Collapse

Topics: digital platform electronic market innovation management business model Google+

Methods: meta analysis theory development ontological modelling case study conceptual modelling

Theories: lemon market theory

Contract Choice, Moral Hazard, and Performance Evaluation: Evidence from Online Labor Markets

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Huang, Peng; Wang, Yifei

Abstract: Due to the spatial and temporal separations between clients and freelancers, onl ... Expand

Abstract: Due to the spatial and temporal separations between clients and freelancers, online labor markets (OLMs) are particularly susceptible to issues related to information asymmetry. Based on the economics of information, we hypothesize that the choice of contract type—i.e., between the fixed-priced (FP) contract and the time-and-materials (TM) contract—has important implications for curbing moral hazard during contract execution, and therefore will influence the client’s perceived contractual performance upon project completion. We test the predictions by assembling a dataset of data analytics projects completed by freelancers on Upwork, the largest online freelancing platform. We find that, consistent with our hypothesis, freelancers under a TM contract receive significantly lower performance ratings by their clients on average compared to those under an FP contract. Interestingly, we also find that the level of expertise required for a project moderates the effect of contract choice on client satisfaction; the negative impact of a TM contract is smaller (i.e., less negative) when a project requires intermediate-level or expert-level skills. Our study offers useful insights into an important institutional determinant of contractual performance evaluation, which has profound implications for freelancers’ reputations in OLMs. Collapse

Topics: moral hazard Upwork analytical information system programming language Elance

Methods: regression analysis method propensity score matching experimental group theory development longitudinal research

Theories: lemon market theory agency theory

Revolutionizing Crowdworking Campaigns: Conquering Adverse Selection and Moral Hazard with the Help of Smart Contracts

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Hupe, Anna; Bretschneider, Ulrich

Abstract: Crowdworking is increasingly being applied by companies to outsource tasks beyo ... Expand

Abstract: Crowdworking is increasingly being applied by companies to outsource tasks beyond their core competencies flexibly and cost-effectively to an unknown group. However, the anonymous and financially incentivized nature of crowdworkers creates information asymmetries and conflicts of interest, leading to inefficiencies and intensifying the principal-agent problem. Our paper offers a solution to the widespread problem of inefficient Crowdworking campaigns. We first derive the currently applied Crowdworking campaign process based on a qualitative study. Subsequently, we identify the broadest adverse selection and moral hazard problems in the process. We then analyze how the blockchain application of smart contracts can counteract those challenges and develop a process model that maps a Crowdworking campaign using smart contracts. We explain how our developed process significantly reduces adverse selection and moral hazard at each stage. Thus, our research provides approaches to make online labor more attractive and transparent for companies and online workers. Collapse

Topics: smart contract moral hazard crowdsourcing blockchain platform work site

Methods: qualitative interview business process modeling qualitative coding theoretical contribution literature study

Theories: agency theory lemon market theory contract theory new institutional economics

SMARTER CROWDWORK BY APPLYING SMART CONTRACTS?

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Hupe, Anna; Bretschneider, Ulrich

Abstract: Crowdworking is characterized by flexibly engaging a workforce that is recruite ... Expand

Abstract: Crowdworking is characterized by flexibly engaging a workforce that is recruited for only one task. After the task is completed, the crowdworker and the company do not collaborate anymore. To identify the best-suited crowdwoker for a certain task, crowd working platform providers offer different tools to match both parties. Matching a crowdworker with the required skills for a task is an important factor to complete a crowdworking campaign successfully. As of today, the principal agent theorem and high transaction costs decrease the effectiveness of such campaigns due to information asymmetries between crodworkers and crowdsourcers. Based on a qualitative approach, we structurally develop a currently existing crowdworking campaign process. We then theoretically analyze how smart contracts can support and simplify the identified process while reducing the challenges of transaction cost economics and the principal agent theorem. Collapse

Topics: smart contract crowdsourcing platform work site blockchain anonymity

Methods: qualitative interview qualitative coding design science business process modeling

Theories: transaction cost economics lemon market theory agency theory

The Impact of Stigmatizing Language in EHR Notes on AI Performance and Fairness

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Liu, Yizhi; Wang, Weiguang; Gao, Gordon; Agarwal, Ritu

Abstract: Today, there is significant interest in using electronic health record data to ... Expand

Abstract: Today, there is significant interest in using electronic health record data to generate new clinical insights for diagnosis and treatment decisions. However, there are concerns that such data may be biased and result in accentuating racial disparities. We study how clinician biases reflected in EHR notes affect the performance and fairness of artificial intelligence models in the context of mortality prediction for intensive care unit patients. We apply a Transformer-based deep learning model and explainable AI techniques to quantify negative impacts on performance and fairness. Our findings demonstrate that stigmatizing language written by clinicians adversely affects AI performance, particularly so for black patients, highlighting SL as a source of racial disparity in AI model development. As an effective mitigation approach, removing SL from EHR notes can significantly improve AI performance and fairness. This study provides actionable insights for responsible AI development and contributes to understanding clinician EHR note writing. Collapse

Topics: artificial intelligence explainable artificial intelligence open source moral hazard Microsoft Windows

Methods: transformer model machine learning BERT deep learning experiment

Value Destruction in Information Technology Ecosystems: A Mixed-Method Investigation with Interpretive Case Study and Analytical Modeling

2023 | Information Systems Research | Citations: 0

Authors: Sahaym, Arvin; Vithayathil, Joseph; Sarker, Suprateek; Sarker, Saonee; Bjørn-Andersen, Niels

Abstract: Many of today’s software systems are created by leveraging ecosystems consisting ... Expand

Abstract: Many of today’s software systems are created by leveraging ecosystems consisting of heterogeneous “complementors” and “hub” firms. In fact, the reliance on ecosystems is prevalent in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) domain, where larger ERP vendors form collaborative relationships with smaller industry-specific vendors to co-create value for themselves and their customers. However, value creation and destruction processes are often intertwined. A key motivation for this study is to shed light on the behavioral contingencies and underlying mechanisms that might lead to value destruction over time instead of the initially intended value co-creation. Furthermore, although value co-creation in collaborative relationships associated with ecosystems is often highlighted, research has been scarce on offering an in-depth analysis of the challenges in these relationships that can destroy value. This study attempts to address this issue by uncovering the underlying mechanisms that lead a hub firm and its complementors toward value destruction. Our mixed-methods approach involves the use of a combination of interpretive case study and analytical modeling to highlight nuances and develop conceptual propositions about the conditions that can potentially lead to value destruction. Our context is a globally reputed information technology (IT) firm known for providing business solutions (SOFTCo, a pseudonym) and numerous relatively small, less powerful customer-facing service firms (PartnerCos, a pseudonym). Our findings show that opportunism, unjust appropriation of rents, shirking, exploitation of asymmetric power, and undue dependence can initiate a value destruction process. Furthermore, our study revealed an unexpected emergence of a “pack of wolves,” where resentful PartnerCos formed a collective to tackle the opportunistic behaviors of SOFTCo by starting to align with its competitor, further destroying value for SOFTCo’s ecosystem. Overall, this study contributes to the literature on value co-creation/destruction in IT ecosystems. It also offers an illustration of a mixed-methods study where seemingly incommensurable approaches are harnessed to develop a theoretical understanding.History: Ola Henfridsson, Senior Editor; Likoebe Maruping, Associate Editor.Funding: The authors acknowledge the financial support of the 3gERP project at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark, the Dean’s Summer Research Fund of the McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia, and the Huber Dean’s Fellowship of the Carson College of Business, Washington State University.Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2022.1119. Collapse

Topics: participatory design enterprise resource planning digital ecosystem value creation pseudonymity

Methods: design methodology case study mathematical model qualitative interview mixed method

Theories: game theory prisoner's dilemma organizational behavior theory

Moral Hazard and Transparency in Peer-to-Peer Auto Insurance with Telematics

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Zhang, Yuxin; du, yalei; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Quan

Abstract: Peer -to-peer (P2P) insurance uses new technology to connect policyholders and ... Expand

Abstract: Peer -to-peer (P2P) insurance uses new technology to connect policyholders and brings about disruptive innovation. While P2P insurance serving people with relatively high degrees of social connection, like friends and relatives, has been theoretically and practically underpinned, there is a lack of understanding about its viability or efficiency in serving strangers with few to no social ties as moral hazard may be substantial. In this paper, we bridge the gap by empirically measuring moral hazard in a P2P auto insurance where the insured individuals are strangers. Our research findings remove an obstacle that may hinder a broad application of the P2P insurance model among large groups of individuals. Moreover, we investigate factors that mitigate moral hazard and study the impact of transparency in premium balance on driving safety. We show that the transparency allows people to learn vicariously from peers' lessons and lets them drive more safely. Collapse

Topics: peer-to-peer model moral hazard price management business model mobile application

Methods: experimental group longitudinal research difference in differences causality analysis propensity score method