A grounded theory of international information systems
Hans Lehmann · ResearchSpace (University of Auckland) · 2001
This research project establishes theoretical foundations for a better understanding of the factors that influence the design, creation and implementation of international information systems (IIS). Three cases of multinational companies - in 9 locations on 3 continents - were investigated to that end, using a grounded theory methodology. Grounded theory was chosen because the paucity of research into international information systems means that there is an insufficient base for verification-t1pe research approaches' The traditional grounded theory approach was extended to work with cases, whilst fully preserving the principles ofjoint coding and collection, constant comparison and theoretical sampling. After every case, the relationships between categories were formally subsumed into theoretical frameworks. As a final step, a substantive theory of the factors influencing IIS was formulated. It explains the specific nature and architecture of international information systems, what affects the way in which they are built and why their users will accept or reject them. The theory defines a generic architecture, specific for international information systems, consisting of a 'Central' part, containing shared systems, and 'Local' systems that are unique for each site. Synchronicity, the degree to which systems require same-time use of identical data and information, determines the central and local applications. It further governs the configuration and technical architecture of the IIS. The 'CentraI'/'Local'debate can become embroiled in antagonistic politics, acted out in an ever-present 'Force Field'. Two variables influence the intensity of the Force Field interactions: o Utitity of the system's functionality lowers the conflict potential all around; . using the IIS to increase central Control intensifies local management's resistance against invasion of their'turf . Acceptance or Rejection of an intemational information system depends on the net-balance of these opposing forces. At a more sophisticated level, User/IT Consensus Processes are effective instruments for neutering faction politics and maximising the Utitity of the resulting system, substituting 'Coutrol' conflict with rational dialogue or amicable persuasion. Most of the theory can be directly translated into a practical methodology for designing, building and implementing international information systems. Manyparts of the theory, however, are still in an 'approximate' state and point to several future research projects- They will be concemed with refining concepts, constructs and their relationships as well as further adapting and improving the extended grounded theory methodology used in this study.