Social media platforms and social enterprise: Bibliometric analysis and systematic review

2023 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Ali, Imran; Balta, Maria; Papadopoulos, Thanos

Abstract: A considerable number of contributions at the intersection of social media platf ... Expand

Abstract: A considerable number of contributions at the intersection of social media platforms and social entrepreneurship has been witnessed over the past decade. The multi-disciplinary nature of current literature necessitates inte­ grative insights on the topic. We thus undertake a two-pronged approach – bibliometric analysis followed by systematic review – to map the extant literature in a structured, objective, and quantitative way. We contribute to the literature as we (i) offer a classification of the literature in three clusters, namely ‘social media platforms, social collaboration and social marketing’, ‘social media platforms and crowdfunding, and ‘social media plat­ forms and crowdsourcing’; (ii) analyze recent research development in each cluster, methodological develop­ ment, countries co-authorship and evolution of research in the area; and (iii) propose a conceptual framework -accompanied by research propositions- that provides an overview of the literature at the intersection of social media platforms, various social entrepreneurial practices and their influence on the social enterprise perfor­ mance. Our review culminates with numerous impactful research avenues for scholarly progression in the area. From a practical standpoint, this review integrates scattered findings into one body, allowing the practitioners and policymakers to discern the role of social media platforms in dealing with emerging societal problems and increasing operational efficiencies of social enterprises (SEs). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review of its kind, offering unique perspectives at the nexus of social media platforms and SE’s performance. Collapse

Topics: social media crowdsourcing marketing management crowdfunding digital platform

Methods: literature sample bibliometric analysis literature study structured literature research co-citation analysis

Theories: structuration theory dynamic capabilities theory

The regulation of and through information technology: Towards a conceptual ontology for IS research

2023 | Journal of Information Technology | Citations: 0

Authors: Butler, Tom; Gozman, Daniel; Lyytinen, Kalle

Abstract: This special issue addresses a largely neglected area of Information Systems (IS ... Expand

Abstract: This special issue addresses a largely neglected area of Information Systems (IS) research – the regulation of and through Information Technology (IT). As with other human technologies, IT artefacts present risks and can harm individuals, groups, organisations, economies, and society: However, this remains a largely unexplored topic in IS research. Nevertheless, regulators, social commentators, the media, and the public have voiced their concerns about such risks, particularly those related to artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, privacy, digital assets (e.g. cryptocurrencies), and the market dominance of digital platforms. Accordingly, regulations have been instituted or proposed to regulate IT artefacts in and across several business sectors. Additionally, in response to the informational challenges posed by a complex web of laws and regulations, regulators and business organisations have implemented IT artefacts to transform regulatory and supervisory processes or to enhance organisational risk management and compliance reporting capabilities. This special issue addresses the research challenges related to emergent issues surrounding the regulation of and through IT. In this editorial, we take stock of where the field currently stands. We advance a conceptual ontology of IT regulation to guide future research by specifying several taken-for-granted core concepts. By rendering the concepts, categories, and their relationships explicit, the model and its related research questions provide a firm foundation to generate a cumulative body of research on the regulation of and through IT. Collapse

Topics: digital platform information technology infrastructure knowledge representation big data innovation management

Methods: design artifact ontological modelling qualitative content analysis theory development literature study

Theories: institutional theory theory of affordance general systems theory

Token Incentives in a Volatile Crypto Market: The Effects of Token Price Volatility on User Contribution

2023 | Journal of Management Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Chen, Kun; Fan, Yifan; Liao, Shaoyi Stephen

Abstract: Crypto tokens, issued and managed via smart contracts, function as rewards in bl ... Expand

Abstract: Crypto tokens, issued and managed via smart contracts, function as rewards in blockchain systems to encourage user participation. Distinct from monetary incentives, token incentives are uncertain in reward magnitude due to the large swings in token prices on crypto markets. By focusing on token price volatility, this study investigates how the reward uncertainty affects user contribution in a tokenized digital platform. Our empirical setting is Steemit, a platform where bloggers write posts and share token rewards based on their posts' popularity. We find that while high token price volatility induces a large volume of blog posts, it diminishes post quality. The dichotomous effects are explained via two mechanisms: users' direct reactions to reward uncertainties and their indirect reactions, mediated by altered token preference amid volatility shocks. Deeply exploring this dynamic process, our results reveal that token price volatility facilitates a platform's network short-term effect but impairs long-term user creativity. Our empirical findings thus extend the literature on blockchain economics and cryptocurrencies and have practical implications for the design of incentive mechanisms on tokenized digital platforms. Collapse

Topics: blog blockchain digital platform cryptocurrency user behavior

Methods: longitudinal research instrumental variables estimation data transformation principal component analysis vector autoregression

Theories: motivation crowding theory

The bright side of emotional extremity: Evidence from tipping in live streaming platform

2023 | Information & Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Chen, Xingyu; Ji, Li; Jiang, Ling; Huang, Justin T.

Abstract: Live streaming has enabled viewers to interact with broadcasters and peer viewer ... Expand

Abstract: Live streaming has enabled viewers to interact with broadcasters and peer viewers, as well as tip the broadcaster based on their emotional state. While most tips are small, a minority of viewers tip extremely large. To uncover such unique tipping patterns, we draw on the emotion literature and competitive arousal theory to examine how viewers’ emotional extremity affects tipping behavior and how broadcaster’s emotional response moderates the baseline effect. This study contributes to the emerging live streaming literature by revealing the differential effects of emotional extremity on tipping amount and frequency and provides practical implications for broad­ casters and platforms to steer tipping behavior. Collapse

Topics: live streaming platform marketing management accounting digital platform artificial intelligence

Methods: statistical hypothesis test computational algorithm psychometrics machine learning longitudinal research

Fit into work! From formalizing governance of gig platform ecosystems to helping gig workers craft their platform work

2023 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Chen, Jianyu; Luo, Jinlian; Hu, Wenan; Ma, Jun

Abstract: The current governance model of gig platform ecosystems benefits gig platforms a ... Expand

Abstract: The current governance model of gig platform ecosystems benefits gig platforms and customers, but puts gig workers in the weakest position of the triangular relationship. Thus, gig workers experience difficulty in addressing hardships related to gig work. To this end, we must determine how gig platforms build a governance environment that matches gig workers to help them craft gig work. However, extant studies have remained in the qualitative research surface, lacked a certain empirical insight, and have not clarified the direction to creating an effective platform governance model. Thus, based on such literature, we first conceptualize platform formal­ ization governance. Drawing on person-environment fit theory, the PLS-SEM analysis of 290 data from gig workers finds that platform formalization governance directly promotes gig workers' job crafting and indirectly propels it by improving performance appraisal systems' transparency. However, platform work insecurity climate weakens such an direct/indirect positive relationship. These findings contribute to strategic values and effec­ tiveness of the governance model of gig platform ecosystems, thus balancing interests between gig platforms, gig workers, and customers. Gig platforms should consider appropriately formalizing the current governance model and improving work insecurity climate, which helps gig workers more easily address hardships associated with platform work through job crafting. Collapse

Topics: platform worker platform work digital ecosystem platform governance algorithmic management

Methods: survey partial least squares path modeling data transformation PLS tool double-barreled question

Shopping for digital innovation— The role of startup acquisitions for digital innovation in incumbents

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Dekova, Ani; Böttcher, Timo; Krcmar, Helmut

Abstract: Incumbent firms increasingly acquire startups for digital innovation. Startups ... Expand

Abstract: Incumbent firms increasingly acquire startups for digital innovation. Startups excel at sensing market opportunities, and incumbents provide valuable resources and knowledge to seize these opportunities in digital business models. While extant research has explored the benefits resulting from such acquisitions, the reasons and strategic motivations for startup acquisitions remain unclear. This paper seeks to explore the motivations behind such acquisitions and their impact on digital business strategies. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of 124 startup acquisitions by retail incumbents, we identify six reasons incumbents acquire digital startups and two strategic goals pursued through these acquisitions. They illustrate how and why the acquisitions contribute to the incumbents' strategic goals for digital innovation and growth, and propose three testable hypotheses to deepen our understanding of this relationship. This study provides valuable insights for incumbents seeking to collaborate with startups and identifies startups suited for acquisition or collaboration. Collapse

Topics: digital innovation innovation management digital entrepreneurship business model digital business strategy

Methods: literature study qualitative coding triangulation survey grounded theory

Reimagining "gamers" via Twitch platform tools

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Garvey, K.

Abstract: The live streaming platform Twitch hosts thousands of streamers vying for the a ... Expand

Abstract: The live streaming platform Twitch hosts thousands of streamers vying for the attention of users. Previous studies have identified the salience of parasocial relationships and emotional labor for understanding the work of streamers as well as the presence of toxic geek masculinity (Ruberg et. al., 2019) and gendered differences in streaming labor (Jenson & de Castell, 2018). Twitch has grown steadily since its start in 2011 (Taylor, 2018) and saw a massive increase in growth in 2020, maintaining its position as the number one game streaming site, ahead of YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming (Partis, 2021). As a visual platform where gamers of all kinds broadcast their gameplay, Twitch is a valuable site for research into the ongoing intersections of gender roles and gaming culture. Via thematic analysis of in-depth interviews, this pilot study examines how platform tools for discoverability and moderation influence female Twitch streamers' presentations of themselves as game players. Findings suggest that active 'anti-gate-keeping' is widespread among streamers who wish to build inclusive, sustainable channels in which to play, socialize, and earn. Collapse

Topics: Twitch digital platform

Methods: qualitative interview personal interview qualitative content analysis participant observation

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

Exploring Central Platform Types and Related Concepts in Service Research – A Systematic Literature Review

2023 | International Conference on Business Informatics | Citations: 0

Authors: Hansmeier, Philipp

Abstract: Service exchange is considered as an integral component of digital platforms. A ... Expand

Abstract: Service exchange is considered as an integral component of digital platforms. Academic research differentiates between technical, economic, and social platforms, yet scholars face a multitude of diverse platform sub-types being inconsistently utilized. To address that issue and to provide a lexical platform definition overview, this study conducts a systematic scoping literature review on platform types and related concepts in the service domain. The systematic analysis of 49 high-quality service journal articles reveals that numerous digital platform sub-types exist in service research with overlapping definitions. Moreover, several relationship marketing constructs are investigated as central related concepts. This article is the first to explore divergent platform term definitions in the service domain and thus contributes a complementary service science lens on digital platforms alongside IS research. Collapse

Topics: digital platform artificial intelligence participatory design price management robotic

Methods: structured literature research design methodology literature study delphi study literature sample

The Future of Digital Platform Design - The Case of the EU Platform Regulation Discourse

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 1

Authors: Heimburg, Vincent; Schmitt, Julian; Wiesche, Manuel

Abstract: Digital platform research focuses on the mechanisms in digital platform ecosyst ... Expand

Abstract: Digital platform research focuses on the mechanisms in digital platform ecosystems and the dynamics between platform owners, complementors, and end-users. Recent studies are beginning to look beyond the boundaries of narrow platform ecosystems. The development of the European Union's DigitalMarkets Act (DMA) is a revelatory case to study this wider perspective. Hundreds of actors participated in discourses on the regulation, which aims to regulate so-called gatekeeper platforms that are allegedly powerful, unfair to platform users, and incontestable for competitors. By means of a critical discourse analysis, we coded 1720 contributions on the proposed and adopted DMA between June 2020 and July 2022. We identify 72 positions and 14 narratives along five discourses. Our study creates a better understanding of a wider perspective of platform ecosystem structure that goes beyond the triangle of platform owner, complementors, and end users. Collapse

Topics: digital ecosystem closed platform value creation participatory design electronic market

Methods: qualitative coding design methodology qualitative content analysis memoing grounded theory