Optimal Distinctiveness: The Role of Platform Size and Identity

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 1

Authors: Sobota, Vladimir; Van De Kaa, Geerten; Van Beers, Cees; Ortt, Roland J.

Abstract: Recent theoretical advances hold that platforms comprise a second strategic dime ... Expand

Abstract: Recent theoretical advances hold that platforms comprise a second strategic dimension next to size, called identity, which describes the platform’s techno-logical and market scope. Letting go of platform size as the main criterion for platform value opens the possibility for platforms to pursue differentiation strategies with a distinct market positioning. The concept of optimal distinctiveness (OD) implies that differentiation can be optimized so that it maximizes performance. In this paper, we draw on recent OD research in and outside of the field of platforms and elaborate on the role of platform size within the distinctiveness framework. We discuss platform size and identity in the context of OD and suggest propositions for future research. The paper contributes to the management of platforms and OD in platform markets by showing how a platform’s distinctiveness strategy may depend on its size. We contribute to platform management across various platform sizes and to research on OD in platform markets. Collapse

Topics: platform work site online learning system crowdsourcing economies of scope network effect

Methods: theory development

Why Work Around the Process? Analyzing Workarounds Through the Lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior

2023 | Business & Information Systems Engineering | Citations: 1

Authors: Soffer, Pnina; Outmazgin, Nesi; Hadar, Irit; Tzafrir, Shay

Abstract: Workarounds are a common practice in a broad range of organizational and technol ... Expand

Abstract: Workarounds are a common practice in a broad range of organizational and technological contexts, which has received much attention in information systems research. They are sometimes considered negatively, associated with business risks and noncompliance, and sometimes positively, as a source of innovation and improvement. Although workaround-based process improvements typically adopt the workaround if its consequences are not harmful, this is not always the best option. The paper aims to pave the way for leveraging workarounds for process improvement by understanding problems that motivate them, so alternative solutions can be developed for these problems. Despite many proposed explanations, an in-depth understanding of the reasons underlying employee decisions that lead to workarounds is still needed. To this end, following a qualitative research approach, data were collected in six case study organizations, investigating workaround decisions made by employees through the lens of the theory of planned behavior. The principal unique theme running throughout the findings is that workaround motivation stems from perceived misalignment between organizational, local unit, or personal goals and their realization in business processes. Workarounds are enabled by various factors, including perceived workaround opportunities in the organization. These findings are abstracted to form an explanatory model as a contextual adaptation of the theory of planned behavior to explain workaround intentions. The proposed model explains workaround decisions in a way that can leverage this understanding to promote concrete process improvements. Collapse

Topics: business process improvement process mining business process management organizational context data security

Methods: qualitative interview case study modeling language business process model and notation triangulation

Theories: theory of workarounds theory of planned behavior technological frames of reference institutional theory activity theory

Shaping Digital Transformation Pathways: Dynamics of Paradoxical Tensions and Responses

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

Authors: Soh, Christina; Yeow, Adrian; Goh, Qi

Abstract: Although the pace of digital transformation (DT) has been accelerating in more ... Expand

Abstract: Although the pace of digital transformation (DT) has been accelerating in more organizations, there is still much uncertainty about the ways organizations can achieve the intended outcomes from such efforts. Rather than just focusing on the transformation outcomes, our paper suggests that a more fruitful approach would be to conceptualize DT as a journey that often encounters contradictory tensions. We adopt paradox theory to explain the dynamics through which organizations can manage these tensions while driving their DT efforts. Drawing on extensive review of the DT literature and preexisting research cases of three organizations' experiences with the DT process, we developed the concept of DT pathways. DT pathways are the varied journeys experienced by organizations as they make strategic shifts -leveraging digital technology and evolving the organization's business model. We show how DT pathways emerge as organizations adopt different DT strategic intent, actions, and responses to a range of paradoxical tensions. We outline three potential pathways-virtuous, moderate virtuous, and vicious DT pathways-and their attending predictive propositions, which can serve as a guide for managers and researchers involved in DT efforts and research. Collapse

Topics: information technology capability digital transformation business-to-consumer electronic commerce digital disruption

Methods: theory development case study literature sample design artifact design methodology

Investigating the Role of Gender in Active and Healthy Ageing Supported by ICT: Preliminary Insights from Polish and Swedish Older Adults

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Soja, Ewa; Soja, Piotr; Kolkowska, Ella

Abstract: The current paper aims to investigate the role of gender in the adoption and us ... Expand

Abstract: The current paper aims to investigate the role of gender in the adoption and use of ICT for an active and healthy ageing in the context of diverse socioeconomic considerations. The investigation has been conducted among seniors in Poland and Sweden, countries experiencing significant socioeconomic differences. The adopted research approach is based on Value-Focused Thinking (VFT). The preliminary findings suggest that the most significant gender-related differences in the perception of values refer to minimizing loneliness and maximizing ICT solution alignment with seniors' needs. The proposed avenues for future research include an investigation into the role of technology ambassadors played by women. Collapse

Topics: information system use health information system systems development

Methods: qualitative interview

Understanding Drivers for Acceptance and Use of Digital Care Services for Seniors: Learning from a Value-Focused Thinking Study in Poland and Sweden

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Soja, E.; Soja, P.; Kolkowska, E.

Abstract: In order to maximize sustainability of digital services for seniors, the opinio ... Expand

Abstract: In order to maximize sustainability of digital services for seniors, the opinions of the main stakeholders and the broader context of independent and healthy ageing should be taken into consideration. Therefore, we applied a Value-focused thinking (VFT) approach to understand values held by seniors in the context of implementation of ICT for independent and healthy ageing. To this end, we conducted interviews with seniors in Poland and Sweden, which are countries with very diverse approaches to digital care services (DCS). Based on the interviews with seniors, we discovered 7 common fundamental objectives and 11 means objectives supporting the fundamental goals with varying understanding depending on a country, which allowed us to discuss the drivers for acceptance and use of DCS for seniors. Collapse

Topics: information system use privacy systems implementation health information system system support

Methods: qualitative interview personal interview

Conflict Resolution in an ISO/IEC 27001 Standard Implementation: A Contradiction Management Perspective

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Soliman, Wael; Ojalainen, Anniina

Abstract: The ISO/IEC 27001 standard provides organizations with guidelines to help them e ... Expand

Abstract: The ISO/IEC 27001 standard provides organizations with guidelines to help them evaluate, document, and improve their information security processes. In practice, however, the generality of the standard can create a conflict between its requirements and the adopters’ expectations. To better understand how an organization manages such conflicts, we conduct a case study in a Finnish corporation during the standard’s implementation in one of its units. Two critical conflicts emerged: Conflict I reflects a tension between the standard requirement for disciplinary measures vis-à-vis the organization’s punishment-averse culture. Conflict II reflects a tension between the organization’s aspiration for concrete code reviewing instructions vis-à-vis the lack thereof in the standard. Our findings reveal that whereas the conflict resolution process was similar in managing both conflicts, their content was radically different. Specifically, whereas conflict I’s resolution was paradoxical, conflict II’s resolution was dialectical. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings. Collapse

Topics: sensemaking innovation management systems development software developer data security

Methods: qualitative interview case study qualitative content analysis personal interview

When (Non)Differences Make a Difference: The Roles of Demographic Diversity and Ideological Homogeneity in Overcoming Ideologically Biased Decision Making

2023 | Organization Science | Citations: 0

Authors: Solomon, Brittany C.; Hall, Matthew E. K.

Abstract: Increasing demographic diversity is undoubtedly important and can aid in debiasi ... Expand

Abstract: Increasing demographic diversity is undoubtedly important and can aid in debiasing decision makers. Yet, the promises of demographic diversity are not always realized due to social integration problems. We consider why and for whom differences combined with homogeneity make a difference for groups in terms of integratively complex thinking and ideological decision making. Although research has shown that decision makers often rely on political biases, that work has not addressed when and why decision-making groups are able to overcome these biases—a pervasive concern in today’s politically polarized social milieu. Drawing on the common in-group identity model and research on integrative complexity, we theorize that demographic diversity ultimately yields less ideological decision making because it prompts integrative complexity; however, demographic diversity only accrues this benefit in the presence of ideological homogeneity. We also reason that the relationship between integrative complexity and reduced ideological decision making emerges for more conservative (versus more liberal) groups. We find support for our expectations using a natural experiment of judges on the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Supplemental analyses indicate that working within a demographically diverse and ideologically homogeneous group also positively predicts integrative complexity in future decision-making groups. Finally, we find that demographic and ideological diversity can substitute for one another, but no additional integrative complexity benefits accrue when both are present. We discuss implications of this research in light of the ongoing conversation about the value of diversity and today’s polarized political climate. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.1647. Collapse

Topics: decision making social influence logistics management corporate social responsibility

Methods: theory development natural experiment qualitative content analysis experiment regression analysis method

The Longitudinal Financial Impact of Health Information Technology Investments in Hospitals: A Panel Data Analysis

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Somarouthu, Durga Prasad; Shah, Sahil; Bhattacherjee, Anol

Abstract: Investments in health information technology (HIT) are known to improve operati ... Expand

Abstract: Investments in health information technology (HIT) are known to improve operational and financial outcomes in hospitals. However, it is less understood whether this effect is short-term, medium-term, or long-term. This paper investigates the effect of HIT investments on hospitals' cost-to-charge ratio, a financial metric that accounts for hospital costs and revenues, at different time lags following the initial investment. Using panel data on U.S. hospitals from 2010 to 2021, we report that the impact of HIT on hospital cost-to-charge ratio is realized with a lag of 0 to 4 years, when controlled for hospital differences such as rural vs urban location, public vs private ownership, proportion of uncompensated care, and yearover-year variations. This effect becomes non-significant in subsequent years as the effect of HIT wears out. We also quantify the returns from HIT investment. Every 1% increase in HIT investment results in a reduction of 3.3 to 6.0% in cost-to-charge ratio between 0 and 4 years after the HIT investment. Implications of these findings for research and practice are described. Collapse

Topics: data quality financial performance economies of scale

Methods: longitudinal research

Understanding the Association between Star Ratings and Review Helpfulness: The Perspectives of Expectation Confirmation Theory and Negativity Bias

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Son, Jaebong; Lee, Gunwoong

Abstract: Consisting of textual, multimedia, and numerical information elements, online co ... Expand

Abstract: Consisting of textual, multimedia, and numerical information elements, online consumer reviews (OCR) have been considered an essential information source of products for prospective consumers. Researchers have made significant efforts to comprehend how these information elements are associated with OCRs’ information value or helpfulness. However, there is a paucity of theoretical evidence on consumers’ perception and evaluation of star ratings and their information, even though star ratings as numerical information cues can imply multiple meanings. In this study, we leverage (1) expectation-confirmation theory to delineate star ratings as the extent of consumer satisfaction and (2) negativity bias to explain the relationship between star ratings and helpfulness. Using 45,621 reviews of 20 products across three categories, we empirically find that our theoretical approaches improve our understanding of the effect of star ratings on helpfulness. Therefore, this study contributes to the extant literature on OCRs by providing the theory-based evaluation of star ratings in relation to helpfulness. Collapse

Topics: mobile system fitness tracker electronic commerce

Methods: statistical hypothesis test sentiment analysis regression analysis method ordinary least square theory development

Theories: expectation confirmation theory

Quick-and-Wide Propagation of Disaster Tweets: Why It Matters and How to Measure It

2023 | ACM SIGMIS Database | Citations: 0

Authors: Son, Jaebong

Abstract: As dynamic, non-routine disaster events appear and disappear in a short period, ... Expand

Abstract: As dynamic, non-routine disaster events appear and disappear in a short period, quickly and widely disseminating emergency warnings and alerts to the public is a critical communication goal for emergency management officers and citizen journalists. Twitter has become a prominent communication medium to achieve such a communication goal, attracting academic scholars, government agencies, and industry practitioners. However, most academic research and government reports have relied on either the retweet count or retweet time to understand factors affecting the propagation of disaster information. We argue that neither measure is sufficient to reflect the extent to which disaster tweets are quickly and widely propagated. Hence, we propose a new measure called the Propagation Index (PI) to better evaluate quick and wide propagation of disaster information. Using two Twitter datasets, we empirically examine the proposed measure in association with the Twitter features and compare its statistical results with those of the retweet count and retweet time. Our findings suggest that the PI more accurately captures how quickly and widely disaster tweets are propagated than the other measures. Therefore, this study contributes to academia, governments, and industry to improve their understanding of the propagation of disaster information on Twitter. Collapse

Topics: Twitter Java social media emergency management

Methods: machine learning topic model regression analysis method theory development descriptive statistic

Theories: information theory mathematical theory of communication