Technology Organization Research Articles

A Relevance-Based Technology–Organisation–Environment Model of Critical Success Factors for Digital Procurement Adoption in Chinese Construction Companies

With the emergence of digital transformation, there is an increasing need for Chinese construction companies to adopt digital procurement (D-procurement). However, there is a lack of theoretical foundation to guide and support the adoption practices. This study aims to fill the research gap through the provision of a model by grouping a set of relevance-based critical success factors (CSFs) into the Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) framework for D-procurement adoption success (DAS). A case study approach is applied in the research. We selected H Group as it is one of the most representative D-procurement cases in China. The study includes two parts. In the first part, a systematic literature review was conducted, and 17 CSFs were identified from 12 selected studies. By grouping the 17 CSFs into the TOE framework, we put forward a basic CSF–TOE model. In the second part, an in-depth interview was carried out in H Group, where the 17 selected experts were asked to rank the previously identified CSF. Based on their order of relevance, the 17 CSFs were re-organised in the basic CSF–TOE model, and a relevance-based CSF–TOE model was finally proposed. This study is vital for D-procurement adoption because most existing CSF studies are based on the literature and questionnaire surveys, and there is a lack of actual case studies. In addition, this study significantly contributes to the field of D-procurement adoption for construction companies by providing a theoretical framework for practice and a relevance-based CSF–TOE model for research.

How Does Digital Transformation Impact Green Supply Chain Development? An Empirical Analysis Based on the TOE Theoretical Framework

Digital transformation and sustainability are both at the forefront of current supply chain developments. However, the specific mechanisms of how digital transformation and green supply chain development interact still need to be clarified, which can help supply chain business operators to enhance supply chain sustainability more effectively. This paper focuses on how the companies’ organization structure and the socio-economic environment interact with digital technologies under the process of green supply chain development. Based on the “Technology–Organization–Environment” (TOE) framework, this paper analyze how digital transformation can drive green supply chain development. To test the TOE theoretical analysis framework, this paper calculates the digital transformation and green supply chain development index at the provincial level in China and conducts an empirical study. The main findings and implications of this paper can be summarized in the following aspects: First, according to the TOE theory, the external environment dimensions, such as the market and policy environments, affect the role of digital technology in promoting GSC development. Second, in the organizational dimensions, labor–capital relations, company size, and ownership factors can all affect the contribution of digital transformation to green supply chains. Third, there are differences in the impact of different types of digitization technologies on GSC development.

How Technological, Organizational, and Environmental Factors Drive Enterprise Digital Innovation: Analysis Based on the Dynamic FsQCA Approach

Improving the level of digital industry innovation is of great significance to enhance the competitiveness of China’s digital industry and improve the sustainable development advantages of the digital economy. Based on the technology–organization–environment framework (TOE framework), this paper establishes a multi-stage configuration analysis model of factors affecting enterprises’ digital innovation, selects six antecedent variables from technology, organization, and environment, including R&D investment, high-level talents, organizational size, top management team heterogeneity, industrial development speed, and regional digitalization level, and explores the driving path for improving enterprise digital innovation intention and digital innovation performance under the influence of multi-factor combinations. The results are presented that single factors or single dimensions struggle to stimulate high digital innovation, and the combination configuration of multiple factors has a significant impact. The configuration paths that drive high digital innovation intention include the technology–environment type (TE type) driven by technological and environmental factors, organization–environment type (OE type) driven by organizational and environmental factors and technology–organization–environment type (TOE type) driven by technological, organizational, and environmental factors; the configuration paths that drive high digital innovation performance include the technology–organization type (TO type) driven by technological and organizational factors, organization–environment type (OE type) driven by organizational and environmental factors. With the evolution of time, there are configuration solutions with relatively high stability, such as the TE type and OE type that drive high digital innovation intention, and the TO type that drives high digital innovation performance. The results provide a reference for revealing the key influencing factors and driving paths of enterprise digital innovation, and improving the vitality and output level of enterprise digital innovation.

B2B digital platform adoption by SMEs and large firms: Pathways and pitfalls

The ongoing paradigm shift towards two-sided and multi-sided platforms is reshaping business transactions and collaborations worldwide. Such digital platforms have found widespread acceptance in business-to-business markets, serving as catalysts for strategic networking, transparency, and traceability, especially in sourcing activities that demand strategic solutions for supplier selection and collaboration. Nonetheless, the variables influencing platform adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large firms remain somewhat opaque. In this study, the social network theory (SNT), diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, and technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework were used as analytical lenses. Drawing from a sample of 318 responses from supply chain managers, this study employs a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify 15 configurations related to the adoption of two-sided platforms in both SMEs and large manufacturing firms. The results underscore that SMEs' drive for platform adoption is primarily anchored in their need for flexible, fluid networks, thus reinforcing the value of two-sided platforms in cultivating robust supplier relationships. In contrast, large firms are driven by potential advantages in efficiency and transactional security. However, the low adoption intention in both SMEs and large firms can be attributed to perceived barriers and a lack of perceived benefits, respectively.

Middle Holocene Lithic Technological Organization and Upland Land Use in the Upper Susitna River Basin, Alaska

ABSTRACT The middle Holocene period is marked by an apparent increase in the use of upland subsistence resources across North America. This pattern has also been observed in the uplands of central Alaska; however, we have limited understanding of the nature of upland hunter-gatherer land-use strategies during this time. This study presents a lithic technological organization analysis of three middle Holocene sites in the upper Susitna River basin, central Alaska Range, to evaluate middle Holocene land-use strategies. The Middle Holocene lithic assemblages presented here have characteristics of a low mobility land-use system in contrast with preceding periods. An important driver of middle Holocene upland land-use intensification may have been a warming climate and associated shift in vegetation patterns and caribou range. Understanding the intensity with which hunter-gatherers in the past utilized upland landscapes has implications for understanding ecological change in marginal ecosystems.

Antecedents of big data analytics (BDA) adoption in private firms: a sequential explanatory approach

PurposeThis study aims to examine the key antecedents influencing the private firm’s intention to adopt big data analytics (BDA) in developing economies. To do so, the study follows the sequential explanatory approach.Design/methodology/approachTo test the hypothesized model that draws on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework paired with the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, a purposive sampling technique was applied to gather data from 156 IT and management domain experts from the private firms that intend to adopt BDA and operate in Pakistan’s service industry, including telecommunication, information technology, agriculture, and e-commerce. The data were analysed using the partial least squares structural equations modelling (PLS-SEM) technique and complemented with qualitative analysis of 10 semi-structured interviews in NVIVO 12 based on grounded theory.FindingsThe empirical findings revealed that the two constructs – perceived benefits and top management support – are the powerful drivers of a firm’s intention to adopt BDA in the private sector, whereas IT infrastructure, data quality, technological complexity and financial readiness, along with the moderators, BDA adoption of competitors and government policy and regulation, do not significantly influence the intention. In addition, the qualitative analysis validates and further complements the SEM findings.Originality/valueUnlike the previous studies on technology adoption, this study proposed a unique research model with contextualized indicators to measure the constructs relevant to private firms, based on the TOE framework and DOI theory, to investigate the causal relationship between drivers and intention. Furthermore, the findings of PLS-SEM were complemented by qualitative analysis to validate the causation. The findings of this study have both theoretical and practical implications.

INNOVATION ENTERPRISE MECHANISMS IN DEEP TECHNOLOGY BUSINESSES

The aim of this research is to critically investigate innovation enterprise mechanisms and success determinants for deep technology organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It proposes and validates a framework for innovation enhancement practices in the Kingdom. An empirical study was initially designed using Wallach’s 3-Dimensional model and Organizational Culture Index (OCI) for survey questionnaires in order to identify the Kingdom’s cultural profile (e.g. bureaucratic, innovative or supportive). A framework was validated from the case companies comprising deep technology and government-based companies in the Kingdom. Although the results were promising and paving the way for innovation, most of the companies were facing enormous challenges. When compared with current practices, it was revealed that innovation practices were ranked as very low among deep technology companies. The most significant challenges identified from this study were: lack of leadership, shortages of skills, managerial capacity and capability, lack of appropriate KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and readiness of organization in the Kingdom.

Examining the effects of technology–organization–environment framework on operational performance through supply chain integration of the firm

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the role of organizational and technological enablers and their arrangement and alignment with the external environment to facilitate supply chain integration (SCI), which consequently improves operational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a structural equation modeling approach and the data from 307 manufacturing firms from the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey version VI for hypotheses testing.FindingsThe findings of the study reveal that (1) the alignment and particular arrangement of the sociotechnical organizational factors enable the SCI of a firm, (2) suitable organizational arrangements help in leveraging SCI under environmental pressures, and (3) SCI leverages the relationship between sociotechnical organizational factors and operational performance of the firm.Practical implicationsThis paper informs managers that SCI leverages the operational performance of firms under heightened environmental pressures. Developing suitable manufacturing technologies infrastructure followed by organizational practices aligned with the manufacturing technologies make it easier to realize SCI.Originality/valueThis study explores the interaction of technological, organizational, and environmental factors as driving and enabling factors that help achieve SCI. Firms that develop an open and collaborative environment and use communication and integrative technologies to complement their work practices better cope with external pressures. These modern forms of working and the use of technologies facilitate SCI and leverage it effectively to positively impact firm performance.

Digital organisational restructuring on business value creation in SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been challenged to survive and maintain their market share. Here we investigated vital factors that drive organisations toward digital organisational restructuring (DOR) and examined its impacts on new value creation in the era of COVID-19. We confirmed the theoretical model through a literature review and industrial interviews, further a structural equation modelling analysis of survey responses collected from SMEs in Vietnam. The findings reveal the components of the technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model drive firms to restructure themselves to create new value digitally. This research shows that critical TOE drivers, DOR, and other constructs influence firms’ value creation. This study improves the understanding of value creation within firms. It extends the UTAUT model by integrating the TOE framework, emphasising DOR’s importance as a critical element of successful digital transformation. Its contribution lies in illustrating how digitalisation facilitates value creation through DOR while providing new forms of visibility management.

Barrier identification, analysis and solutions of blockchain adoption in construction: a fuzzy DEMATEL and TOE integrated method

PurposeBlockchain has the potential to facilitate a paradigm shift in the construction industry toward effectiveness, transparency and collaboration. However, there is currently a paucity of empirical evidence from real-world construction projects. This study aims to systematically review blockchain adoption barriers, investigate critical ones and propose corresponding solutions.Design/methodology/approachAn integrated method was adopted in this research based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) theory and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. Blockchain adoption barriers were first presented using the TOE framework. Then, key barriers were identified based on the importance and causality analysis in the fuzzy DEMATEL. Several suggestions were proposed to facilitate blockchain diffusion from the standpoints of the government, the industry and construction organizations.FindingsThe results highlighted seven key barriers. Specifically, the construction industry is more concerned with environmental barriers, such as policy uncertainties (E2) and technology maturity (E3), while most technical barriers are causal factors, such as “interoperability (T4)” and “smart contracts' security (T2)”.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to a better understanding of the problem associated with blockchain implementation and provides policymakers with recommendations.Originality/valueIdentified TOE barriers lay the groundwork for theoretical observations to comprehend the blockchain adoption problem. This research also applied the fuzzy method to blockchain adoption barrier analysis, which can reduce the uncertainty and subjectivity in expert evaluations with a small sample.

Exploring the mechanism of digital transformation empowering green innovation in construction enterprises

Amid depleting resources and environmental constraints worldwide, green innovation is being considered key to achieving sustainable development. The construction industry has been resistant to technological change and generating a large amount of wasted energy; green innovation should compensate for these shortcomings. The emergence of new and powerful digital transformations has provided several green innovation opportunities to the construction industry. However, the mechanism by which digital transformation can drive this green innovation has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to elucidate the effects of digital transformation on green innovation by surveying construction enterprises. Therefore, a model based on the technology–organization–environment framework was developed to uncover the factors of digital transformation related to green innovation in the construction industry. Subsequently, it reviews the literature and proposes postulates to construct a relevant conceptual model. Data of 257 employees from construction enterprises were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) and via fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The PLS-SEM results show that all the nine variables positively affected the green innovation behavior; moreover, these results evidently confirmed the influence of policy environment, market environment, and digital culture on green innovation. fsQCA presented four configurations for promoting the green innovation of construction enterprises under multiple antecedent conditions, wherein digital infrastructure was considered a core factor in all configurations. These conclusions provide beneficial insights for construction enterprises to implement green innovation practices.

Speech pathologists' perspectives on the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices with people with acquired brain injury and reflections from lived experience.

Communication changes following acquired brain injury (ABI) may necessitate use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Speech pathologists regularly assist people with ABI and their families with AAC assessment and recommendations, as well as education and training on AAC use. To date, there has been no Australian research investigating the perspectives of speech pathologists working in the field of ABI and AAC. This research aimed to 1) Explore speech pathologists' insights regarding enablers and barriers to considerations and uptake, and ongoing use, of AAC by people with ABI and 2) Understand their perspectives on AAC acceptance, abandonment and rejection. A qualitative research design, with semi-structured interviews, was used with seven speech pathologists working across three Australian states. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. To triangulate results, the lived experience reflections of one co-author, who has an ABI and uses AAC, were drawn on. Seven themes were identified, relating to four of the five domains of the World Health Organization's assistive technology model. These included that AAC should be person-centred, with consideration of both products and personnel required, and with effective policy aiding AAC trial, uptake and use. This research has highlighted considerations for AAC use by people with ABI, from the perspective of speech pathologists and aided by lived experience reflections. Speech pathologists need to understand the breadth of products, and good practice service steps, to ensure successful AAC use and skill development. Listening to the perspectives of people with ABI is central to that understanding.

Individual-focused transformational leadership and change-oriented organizational citizenship behavior: mediating and moderating mechanisms of job crafting and employee resilience

PurposeDrawing on the transformational leadership theory, this study empirically tests the relationship between individual-focused transformational leadership (IFTL) (i.e. individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation) and change-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (Ch-OCB), proposing the mediating mechanism of job crafting. Also, this study examines the moderating role of employee resilience on the relationship between job crafting and Ch-OCB.Design/methodology/approachA nested data model using a 4-wave time-lagged sample of 210 employees–supervisors dyads from Indian information technology (IT) organizations was tested using hierarchical linear modeling.FindingsThe study results showed a significant association between IFTL and Ch-OCB. Furthermore, job crafting mediated the relationship between IFTL and Ch-OCB. Additionally, the findings indicate that the positive relationship between job crafting and Ch-OCB was found to be stronger when employee resilience levels were higher.Practical implicationsThe study offers significant practical implications to managers, counselors and human resource management (HRM) practitioners for stimulating Ch-OCB. The study findings would aid HRM practitioners in designing individualized-oriented leadership programs to encourage employees to exhibit proactive job-crafting behavior, further augmenting Ch-OCB.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the existing transformational leadership literature by proposing new pathways through which IFTL stimulates job crafting, further leading to enhanced Ch-OCB. Mainly, research studies need to shed more light on leadership characteristics that influence employees' proactive and adaptive work behavior, i.e. job crafting and Ch-OCB. Essentially, this study examined the underlying mechanism through which IFTL relates to employees' Ch-OCB.

Green Environmental Management System to Support Environmental Performance: What Factors Influence SMEs to Adopt Green Innovations?

In the current era of high environmental uncertainty, the advancement of green technologies has led to innovative practices in the manufacturing sector, becoming the preferred approach for achieving sustainable development in today’s business markets. Manufacturing firms require green innovation to improve their environmental performance and monitor operations effectively, but the adoption and implementation of these innovations is still low among manufacturing industries. To bridge this gap, a study was conducted using resource-based view (RBV) theory and the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework to develop and validate a model that encourages firms to adopt green innovation. A survey was administered to 179 respondents from manufacturing firms, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The integrated constructs of the model—perceived benefits, top management support, coercive pressure, normative pressure, and mimetic pressure—all predicted green management accounting practices. Additionally, the study found that green management accounting practices directly and significantly impacted green environmental performance. The developed model provides clear implications for decision makers, highlighting the importance of adopting green practices and innovative technologies in order to enhance environmental performance. Advanced green technologies have shown a significant connection between green management accounting practices and environmental performance, particularly in developing economies.

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Cloud for Software Development: A Case from Turkey

Cloud-based solutions for software development activities have been emerging in the last decade. This study aims to develop a hybrid technology adoption model for cloud use in software development activities. It is based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, and the proposed extension Personal–Organization–Project (POP) structure. The methodology selected is a questionnaire-based survey and data are collected through personally administered questionnaire sessions with developers and managers, resulting in 268 responses regarding 84 software development projects from 30 organizations in Turkey, selected by considering company and project sizes and geographical proximity to allow face-to-face response collection. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used for statistical evaluation and hypothesis testing. The final model was reached upon modifications and it was found to explain the intention to adopt and use the cloud for software development meaningfully. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify and understand factors that affect the intention of developing software on the cloud. The developed hybrid model was validated to be used in further technology adoption studies. Upon modifying the conceptual model and discovering new relations, a novel model is proposed to draw the relationships between the identified factors and the actual use, intention to use and perceived suitability. Practical and social implications are drawn from the results to help organizations and individuals make decisions on cloud adoption for software development.

Raw Material Consumption Strategies in Holocenic Hunter-Fisher-Gatherer Groups from the South-Eastern Coast of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina): A Use-Wear Perspective.

ABSTRACT Hunter-fisher-gatherer societies who inhabited the south-eastern Atlantic Coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) exploited a wide range of local raw materials that includes, among others, metamorphic, fine-grained rocks and slates that exhibit different physical properties. The aim of this work is to discuss raw materials procurement and production strategies in relation to tool usage. For that purpose, we studied eight archaeological sites retrieved in the Late Holocene. We will focus on the economic practices that involve lithic raw materials to understand technological organization based on the use-wear method and morpho-technical analysis. The results show that these societies developed a technological strategy that implied the selection of rocks with specific properties for performing different and singular activities. Fine-grained rocks were mainly exploited for manufacturing small retouched tools used for scraping hides whereas metamorphic rhyolites and slates were mostly procured to produce long retouched blanks for sawing hard materials.

Smart Governance Policy: An Overview of The Local Government Performance

One of the challenges in digital transformation is building a comprehensive digital ecosystem. This article aims to analyze smart governance policies in improving government efficiency in Indonesia. The number of applications cannot be used as a benchmark in determining the performance of governance implementation. This article uses a qualitative research method with the approach of a systematic literature review. The results of the study found that smart governance policies are oriented to 4 indicators, including community participation, effective governance, public and social services, and political perspectives and strategies. This policy will be successful if implemented collaboratively and integratively. The novelty of the research is in the exploration of policies in local government because until now smart governance policies have not been fully implemented, especially in regions that do not have a clear vision strategy. This research also develops various smart governance policy challenges including digital technology infrastructure, organization, policy reform, and collaborative work development.

The Moderating Role of Big Data and User Satisfaction in the Predictors of Generalized Audit Software among Jordanian Auditing Firms

Generalized Audit Software (GAS) is critical for auditing a firm’s financial statements. However, the usage of this software is widely limited to developed countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the usage of GAS among auditing firms in Jordan. Based on the technology organization environment framework (TOE), our study proposes organizational factors (technology cost benefits analysis (TCBA), technological compatibility (TC) (technological factors (TF), top management support (TMS), organizational readiness (OR), environmental factors (GAS complexity (GASC), and competitive pressure (CP)) to affect the GAS usage (GASU). Furthermore, auditor satisfaction was proposed as a moderating variable. Moreover, the data was collected from auditors using convenience sampling and analyzed using Smart PLS. The findings showed that TCBA, TC, TMS, OR, and GASC are critical predictors of GASU. Additionally, CP has an insignificant effect on GASU. Also, auditor satisfaction is not a moderating variable while big data moderated the effect of Technological factors on GAS. Lastly, more studies are needed in GASU in developing countries to understand the predictors of this technology among individuals. This means that decision-makers are advised to enhance the knowledge of auditors regarding the usage of GAS and to spread the knowledge regarding the benefits of GAS for auditors and auditing firms.

The effect of social support on teleworker environment and work engagement: a multimethod analysis

PurposeEmploying the “Job demands-resources (JD-R)” framework, this study examines the impact of co-occurring social supports (supervisor, coworker, and family support) on the telework environment and employee engagement.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a multimethod approach. Data from 294 employees belonging to Indian technology organizations were collected and analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS)-based structure equation modeling software SmartPLS4. Following this, necessary condition analysis (NCA) was carried out using the NCA package for R.FindingsTelework environment was found to mediate the relationship between social support and work engagement. Supervisor support and instrumental family support were identified as predictors as well as necessary conditions for telework environment. Coworker support was identified both as a predictor and necessary condition for telework environment. Although emotional family support was found to be a predictor of telework environment, it was not identified as a necessary condition.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate that coworker support and family instrumental support are as important for telework success as supervisor support. Moreover, our findings suggest that varying levels of telework environments (low, moderate, and high) may necessitate distinct social support configurations. Consequently, organizations should match their social support configuration to match their overall teleworking strategy.Originality/valueA basic premise of the JD-R framework is that resources exist in caravans (bundles). However, previous research (in telework) has concentrated on only one or two kinds of social support, that too in varying situational contexts, limiting generalizability of the findings. This has also produced inconsistent conclusions concerning the role of support providers such as coworkers and family. Recent developments in JD-R also suggest that the role of resources may vary in terms of their importance (necessity) for work engagement. By augmenting standard regression-based techniques with NCA, the authors explore these issues to provide a more thorough understanding of the influence of social supports on work engagement in telework situations.

ECO-INNOVATION METHOD IN A RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANISATION: NEED ANALYSIS AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE METHOD (JUDAIS 2023)

AbstractResearch and Technology Organisations (RTOs) develop and transfer new technologies to industry. Considering environnemental and social challenges in their activities is becoming more and more important. Integrating these challenges within an organization requires a global and coherent method, but also flexibility to adapt to the various activities of the organisationz. Eco-innovation is an approach that can meet these goals. However, literature has already shown that the main obstacles for the integration of eco-innovation come from the lack of global approaches adapted to companies' practices. In this paper, we characterise the specific activities of RTOs. Then, we specified the need for an eco innovation approach for RTOs. We carried out a functional analysis to formalise the need and identify the main functions that the eco-innovation approach must fulfil. We conducted exploratory interviews with various stakholders from an RTO in order to validate the identified needs and functions.