Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the role played by IT in diversified firms with respect to firm performance, emphasizing the complementary relationship between IT and firm diversification. First by reviewing management and finance literature, we briefly examine different types of diversification, including related diversification, unrelated diversification, and geographic diversification, particularly regarding their relationship to firm performance. Then we empirically test the interaction effects between IT and different types of diversification on firm performance and find out that the interaction between IT and related diversification has a significantly positive impact on performance. Our hypotheses and findings are consistent with prior theory-based argument that IT when used to leverage the difference in strategic resources can have a positive impact on firm performance. As a whole, this paper aims to enrich the IT business value studies by taking on a new perspective or contingency under which IT does matter to firms.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.