Inter-organizational Information Research Articles

EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE IMPACT OF INTER- ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS ON SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE

During the past few years, the pandemic of COVID-19 has significantly disrupted supply chains. Indeed, these chains are facing multiple challenges, such as designing new products to adapt to the disruptions of their markets and to maintain their profit margins and ensure their survival. Thus, this paper aims to explore the influence of inter-organizational information systems on supply chain performance by studying the role of risk management culture, collaboration, and agility and supply chain resilience. Data was collected online using a self-administered questionnaire from company executives in the automotive industry. The findings based on structural equation modeling highlighted a number of practical recommendations for automotive company managers on how to improve the level of supply chain performance.

Calculative trust, relational trust, and organizational performance: A meta-analytic structural equation modeling approach

We draw on transaction cost economics and social exchange theory to explore how two different types of inter-organizational trust, namely, calculative trust and relational trust, affect organizational performance. Our meta-analysis of 60 empirical studies shows that both types of trust have a positive effect on organizational performance. However, the two types of trust influence organizational performance through different mediating mechanisms. Whilst calculative trust influences organizational performance through inter-organizational information exchange and uncertainty, relational trust affects organizational performance through inter-organizational communication and commitment. Our study enhances understanding of the mechanisms through which trust influences organizational performance, and also provides an explanation of the contradictory findings regarding the relationship between inter-organizational trust and organizational performance.

Information governance orientation, supply chain strategy type and performance outcomes

PurposeThis study aims to examine the performance implications of an information governance (IG) framework for managing, controlling access to and securing information, focusing on (1) the performance benefits of an organization's IG orientation and (2) how the configuration of IG orientation and supply chain (SC) strategy type relate to performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThis study leverages multiple secondary sources for US hospitals, serving as the context for the study. It also employs cluster analysis to develop an SC strategy taxonomy, namely sophisticated and delivery-focused SC strategies. The proposed research model is tested using a robust regression to mitigate the influence of outliers and produce more accurate estimates.FindingsIG orientation is positively associated with financial performance and patient experience, and IG-oriented hospitals with a sophisticated SC strategy realize more financial benefits and achieve better patient care experiences compared to other configurations. Regardless of SC strategy type, IG-oriented hospitals offer better care experiences than non-IG-oriented hospitals.Practical implicationsThis paper offers empirical evidence that a hospital's IG orientation and SC strategy jointly affect financial outcomes and patient experience. For hospitals, an organization-wide framework for governing information streamlines both intra- and inter-organizational information flows and improves care delivery throughout a patient's care experience.Originality/valueThis is one of a few studies that empirically examine the performance implications of governance of information in the domain of supply chain management (SCM). This study also develops an SC strategy taxonomy for the healthcare context and offers a springboard for research in service SC strategy.

Managing Terminal and Transport Processes with Access Management Services

Abstract Given the massive flows of containers that mega vessels deliver to seaport freight terminals, the terminal and transport operators face major accessibility and congestion challenges. To address those challenges, five information services, named as access management services, are identified that can mobilize interorganizational information flows to achieve effective terminal and transport processes. In those processes, previous research has examined the effects of such services only in the access phase, that is, when containers are loaded and/or unloaded, leaving out the potential effects in the pre- and post-access phases. Consequently, the purpose is to clarify how the five identified access management services can affect activities and resources for all three access phases in the terminal and transport processes. Two empirical studies were performed: a prestudy, which involved 30 observations to identify terminal and transport processes in a seaport terminal, and an improvement study, which involved eight interviews and four focus groups to explain how the processes can be managed effectively. Access management services that can exchange information in real time can perform and utilize the activities and resources in all three access phases effectively. Namely, with the services, effective loading and unloading require fewer movements, drivers, administrators, controllers and less container lifting.

Current State of the Inter-Organizational Information Exchange Strategies of German SME - A Survey

The reliability of well-performing production processes not only depends on internal but also on external factors in the upstream supply chain. Therefore, companies require fast and reliable information exchange with cooperating organizations. We aim to support the industry in improving their communication methods and, therefore, have conducted a survey to capture the current state and needs in this area — addressing inter- instead of the usually surveyed intra-organizational degree of digitalization. In this paper, we outline the main outcomes of our survey. We received 135 evaluable questionnaires from manufacturing companies based in Germany, predominantly from small and medium-sized companies. Based on the responses, we detected that the use of modern methods correlates with the company size. Furthermore, we showed that only a few companies are completely satisfied with their current methods for inter-organizational information exchange. The greatest potential for improvement is seen in standardization and the increase of required resources.

Environmental performance of servitized manufacturing firms: the (mis)alignment between servitization strategies and inter-organizational information technology capabilities

PurposeThis study investigates the different effects of the (mis)alignment between servitization strategies (i.e. product-oriented and customer-oriented services) and inter-organizational information technology (IT) capabilities (i.e. IT reconfiguration and integration) concerning the environmental performance of servitized manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approachUsing hierarchical regression analysis, this study examines the theoretical model based on multi-respondent survey data from 1,149 senior managers of 383 manufacturers in China.FindingsProduct-oriented services have a non-significant effect on environmental performance, whereas customer-oriented services exert a significantly positive effect. The alignment between product-oriented services and IT reconfiguration, and that between customer-oriented services and IT integration, improve environmental performance. In contrast, the misalignment between product-oriented services and IT integration, and that between customer-oriented services and IT reconfiguration, hurt environmental performance.Originality/valueThis study elucidates the different effects of the (mis)alignment between servitization strategies and inter-organizational IT capabilities on environmental performance. It also resolves the inconsistency regarding the implications of servitization on environmental performance.

Too much information? The use of extraneous information to support decision‐making in emergency settings

AbstractDecision‐makers in emergency settings need to employ the breadth of evidence available so as to inform critical judgments, yet the acute time pressure suggests that in some cases only partial information could be employed. Investigating this tension, the current study focuses on the usefulness of extraneous information that arrives from outside the organization and supplements the information that is available through local information systems. Namely, we explore the extent to which the use of Health Information Exchanges (HIEs)—a network that integrates patients’ clinical information across medical organizations and points of care—facilitates diagnosis decisions in hospitals’ emergency departments (EDs). Adopting the lens of cognitive decision‐making theory, we advance hypotheses regarding the moderating effects of the tasks’ cognitive requirements (diagnosis complexity) and clinicians’ time availability (ED crowdedness) on the relation between the use of extraneous information (in the form of HIE data) and decision quality (ED revisit rate). Our empirical investigation employs complete field data collected from a network of hospitals, capturing over half‐a‐million patient ED encounters. The results reveal that, in general, ED clinicians’ use of the HIE improves decision quality, as reflected in reduced patient revisits to the ED. However, when diagnosis complexity is low, this effect is reversed, such that HIE use is associated with increased ED revisit rates. Our discussion highlights the conditions under which extraneous information contributes to better decision‐making and calls for a mindful use of interorganizational information exchanges in emergency settings.

Information system integration, forecast information quality and market responsiveness: Role of socio-technical congruence

Organisations integrate information systems with their channel partners to improve forecasting capabilities and to respond to changes in consumers and market. Given the advancement and radical growth in information technology and the large capital outlays required for the implementation and integration of such technologies there is need for more research into how partnering organisations can maximise the benefits accruing form information systems integration. Thus, the current study tests a moderated mediated model that investigates how perceived socio-technical congruence by partnering organisations enhances the effect of interorganisational information systems integration on forecasting information quality and market responsiveness. Using absorptive capacity and socio-technical congruence theory, first, the study examines the mediating role of forecast information quality on the relationship between interorganisational information systems integration and market responsiveness. Second, the study examines the moderating role of perceived socio-technical congruence. SPSS-PROCESS model was used for the analysis. The study contributes to knowledge by extending the applicability of socio-technical congruence theory to information systems and forecasting literature in inter-organisational context. The study points to the need for high levels of socio-technical congruence between partnering organisations to maximise the benefits accruing from interorganisational information systems integration.

Determinants of Effective Information Sharing in Publicly Funded Infrastructure Projects: A Scoping Review

Using qualitative (content) analysis, we provide a framework highlighting the determinants of effective inter-organization information sharing in developing infrastructure projects. We examined the determinants of effective inter-organization information sharing in publicly funded physical infrastructure projects, focusing mainly on health, education, and transportation projects. The literature search identified 2,330 citations. A review of these abstracts led to the retrieval of 86 full-text articles, of which 40 met the inclusion criteria. Coordination and collaboration were identified as two of the most important inter-organization processes required for the successful development of transportation, health, and education infrastructure projects. These two processes are enabled by several elements of inter-organization information sharing such as human resources and expertise; incentives and rewards; and effective contract management and record-keeping. Our review also demonstrated that for organizations to effectively implement the determinants of inter-organization information sharing, they must first ensure they form effective interpersonal and intra-organization information sharing.

Degree of involvement in supply chain system development and relational performance: A potential dark side in supply chain relationships

Supply chain partners are increasingly relying on interorganizational information systems (IIS) to improve efficiency in their business activities. While such efforts are expected to create value for each supply chain member and the entire supply chain, the literature reports contradictory results on how the value created by IIS is distributed across supply chain members. Addressing this gap, this study investigates how a supply chain member’s degree of involvement in the IIS development process is linked to the resulting value distribution using data collected from 184 supply chain managers. The results suggest that if a single supply chain partner leads the supply chain system development process, this leader receives the stronger performance benefit from IIS competency, creating a potential ethical hazard as this benefit is unlikely to be announced openly. Similarly, firms that adopt industry standards for IIS, benefit more from IIS competency than those who build the systems together with a partner.

Inter-organizational Information Systems and Trust: A Study of Pharmaceutical Outsourcing

The abilities of increasingly sophisticated inter-organizational information management technologies to monitor vendors’ work processes have led many organizations to overcome the fears traditionally associated with non-hierarchical exchange arrangements for sensitive and complex functions like research and development. In this paper, we explore how the properties of information technology influence the conditions for trust building in the outsourcing of R&D. The paper draws on affordance theory to analyze how the IS creates conditions for rational-economic trust and social trust. We perform an interview-based study of the role of laboratory management systems in pharmaceutical drug development outsourced by Western big pharma to contract research organizations in India. Empirical findings show how the IS reduces the need for rational-economic trust by affording real-time and retrospective monitoring as well as by largely eliminating the threat of appropriation by affording modularization of work. The findings also show attempts to circumvent the monitoring elements of the IS, illustrating the limits of the information system. This creates space for social trust and the findings show how the IS affords social trust building by structuring interaction and promoting transparency.

Developing business process agility: Evidence from inter-organizational information systems of airlines and travel agencies

This research aims to investigate how external IT linkage, IT proactive stance, and analytical capabilities of IOS affect business process agility via the client's absorptive capacity; a structural equation modeling approach was adopted to evaluate the proposed model. The study's finding points to external effective Inter-organizational IT links that can drive the business processes modularization of airlines and enable them to create new business process performance by recombining business processes. Airlines and travel agencies can quickly and flexibly create new processes to respond to the dynamic market challenge through IT initiatives.

Size and attributes of probation officers’ service provider networks: connecting individuals with mental illnesses to community-based supports

This exploratory study examines inter-organizational communication patterns and information sharing between probation officers and service providers when coordinating services for people with mental illnesses on probation. Thirty-four probation officers from one rural (n = 12) and one urban (n = 22) county completed a researcher-administered questionnaire pertaining to the size of probation officers’ service provider networks and the frequency and nature of contacts with those networks. Egocentric network analysis and bivariate inferential statistics were used to examine direct relational ties between each officer and the service providers within their communities. Probation officers in both counties reported high frequency of contact with service providers and indicated that service providers and officers were more likely to share information if reciprocated by their dyad counterpart. Probation agencies may consider enhancing probation officers’ service provider networks and fostering reciprocal and mutually-beneficial relationships to ensure timely access to services for adults with mental illnesses who are on probation.

A multi-agent framework for container booking and slot allocation in maritime shipping

Digitalization is constantly altering company paradigms and expanding cross-border supply chain prospects. Maritime transportation plays an increasingly essential part in the global supply network. Since maritime shipping services need to exchange a huge number of papers and paperwork across numerous companies, the usage of a unified platform for inter-organisational communication and information sharing is required. To develop an integrative, adaptive, and intelligent container booking system, a multi-agent architecture is designed in this article. The proposed architecture will aid the maritime industry in establishing real-time information interchange between autonomous agents, shippers, freight forwarders, and shipping lines. The process outlined in this paper reveals how the agents communicate with one another to resolve underlying inconsistencies. With the multi-agent framework, the article also presents a container slot optimisation problem considering market segmentation, different booking periods, heterogeneous containers and port congestion scenarios. Using this model the managers can find the booking limit for each type of containers and accordingly they can accept or reject the incoming booking requests. Furthermore, a simulated case study is also provided to validate the model.

The determinants of effective inter-organization information sharing in the health capital planning process.

This qualitative study examines the determinants of effective inter-organization information sharing in the Health Capital Planning process (the process), primarily in the final stage of the process which focuses on the review of final expenses and release of a holdback. Using thematic analysis and building off a scoping review that was conducted in preparation for this study, we provide a framework for effective information sharing during the process. We interviewed 17 leaders from the Government of Ontario and hospitals across the province. The results of the interviews indicate that the most essential determinants of effective inter-organization information sharing in the process: organizational characteristics; reducing complex bureaucracies; preserving human resources and expertise; clear and standardized information; reducing policy changes; networks; negotiation abilities; information technology; training; record retention; and early planning. This study confirmed the need for effective intra-organization and interpersonal information sharing to achieve successful inter-organization information sharing.

Information systems’ adoption in meta-organizations

Despite the increase presence and importance of meta-organizations in the modern society, little is known about the specificity of the inter-organizational information systems in this adopter configuration. Using an in-depth analysis of two case studies of meta-organizational information systems adoption – the French cooperative banks Caisses d'Epargnes and Crédit Agricole, we identify the main stages and challenges of the information system adoption, as well as the boundary-spanning roles, activities and objects that facilitate the implementation and coordination of these complex projects.

Organizational Information Integration and Team Performance: An Inter and Intra Organizational Perspective

As construction teams are comprised of multi skilled individuals with varying experiences that are required to work on different projects throughout their career. This research seeks to reconnoiter the role of Information integration in Performance of construction Teams. The United Arab Emirates is protuberant country for construction activities because of considerable investments in mega projects and distinguishing architectural designs. Therefore, survey research is conducted in the United Arab Emirates to understand the relationship of inter-organization information integration and intra-organization information integration of the contracting firms with team performance. The data obtained is then technically analyzed through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results indicates that Inter organization information integration and intra organization information integration have impacts on construction team performance. Based on findings, a model is presented to help improve team performance by understanding the significant role of information integration.The momentous research aid the relation of inter organization information integration and intra organization information integration with team performance thus providing a foundation for new research that can build and strengthen the varying dynamics of Information Integration.Information integration has vivacious standing in expediting operations of construction projects, explicitly improving construction team performance. However, the dynamic nature of the construction industry projects makes it an area of immense need of exploration. The contracting firms that usually work on more than one project can yield better results by improving team performance. Thus, result in improved Firm’s performance.

Power dynamics in organisations and the role of information systems

Power dynamics in organisations and the role of information systems

Performance of Accountable Care Organizations: Health Information Technology and Quality–Efficiency Trade-Offs

Under a traditional fee-for-service payment model, healthcare providers typically compromise the quality of care in order to reduce costs. Drawing on data from a national sample of accountable care organizations (ACOs), we study whether financial incentives offered under the Affordable Care Act led to fundamental changes in care delivery. Our research suggests that effective use of health information technology (IT) by ACO providers is critical in balancing competing goals of quality and efficiency. Unlike hospitals that did not participate in value-based care initiatives, ACOs were able to generate better quality outcomes while also improving overall efficiency. Furthermore, ACO providers that used health IT effectively demonstrated better patient health outcomes due to greater information integration with other providers. In other words, ACOs created value by not only reducing the cost of care but also improving patient outcomes simultaneously. Our research provides a roadmap for practitioners to succeed in a value-based healthcare environment and for policy makers to design better incentives to promote interorganizational information sharing across providers. Our findings suggest that healthcare policy needs to incorporate appropriate incentives to foster effective IT use for care coordination between healthcare providers.

Deciphering B2B marketers' concerns in marketing ‘with’ clients: Further insights into how B2B characteristics foster and inhibit UGC generation and its leverage

B2B marketers are encouraged to leverage UGC in accomplishing marketing goals, yet have serious concerns in encouraging their clients to post UGC and in leveraging it. In drawing from in-depth interviews with B2B practitioners and building on previous research on information technology and B2B marketing, our findings and analysis address these concerns with confidentiality and conflicts of interest by relating them to the B2B characteristics of multiple stakeholders, high value exchanges, complex and elaborate specifications, and long-term relationships. Extrapolating from these findings and analysis, discussion presents a framework elaborating the multi-organizational information system of B2B UGC that aids B2B marketers and researchers in deciphering the impacts of B2B characteristics on marketers' efforts to encourage clients to generate UGC, and to leverage such UGC. Contributions specify the inter-organizational information system of B2B UGC, add precision in defining B2B UGC marketing, and add to knowledge of the impacts of B2B characteristics on B2B UGC generation and leverage, while recommendations guide B2B marketers in addressing their concerns in ways that generate and leverage UGC towards the goal of market development for the benefit of all collaborators.