Functional Forms of Fit: Making the Case for an Asymmetric Perspective

In research disciplines such as organization science and information systems, fit, for example between environmental factors and organizational structure, and between organizational tasks and information systems, plays an important role to explain and predict variables such as organizational performance and user satisfaction. We build on the observation that while different types of fit have been identified, the characteristics that underlie the functional relationships of fit and the respective dependent variables have received less attention. We suggest that two characteristics in particular, (1) continuity versus dichotomy of fit and non-fit, and (2) symmetry of effects, require the attention of researchers who study complex organizational phenomena as part of organizational and information systems research. We suggest that researchers routinely consider asymmetric forms of fit that distinguish over-fit and under-fit and clearly justify their choices of continuous versus dichotomous fit-variables in their research designs. We discuss the implications for fit-related research studies

The Impact of User Interface Design on Idea Integration in Electronic Brainstorming: An Attention-Based View

This paper introduces an attention-based view of idea integration that underscores the importance of IS user interface design. The assumption is that presenting ideas via user interface plays a key role in enabling and motivating idea integration in electronic brainstorming (EBS), and thus advances productivity. Building upon Cognitive Network Model of Creativity and ability-motivation framework, our attention-based theory focuses on two major attributes of user interface: visibility and prioritization. While visibility enables idea integration via directing attention to a limited set of ideas, prioritization enhances the motivation for idea integration by providing individuals with a relevant and legitimate proxy for value of the shared ideas. The theory developed in this paper is distinct from previous research on EBS in at least two ways: (1) this theory exclusively focuses on idea integration as the desired outcome and studies it in the context of IS user interface; and (2) rather than debating whether or not EBS universally outperforms verbal brainstorming, the proposed theory revisits the links between user interface and idea integration as an attention-intensive process that contributes to EBS productivity. Idea integration by individuals within a group is an essential process for organizational creativity and thus for establishing knowledge-based capabilities. Lack of such integration significantly reduces the value of idea sharing, which has been a predominant focus of the EBS literature in the past. The current theory posits that the ability of electronic brain-storming to outperform nominal or verbal brainstorming depends on its ability to leverage information system (IS) artifact capabilities for enhancing idea integration to create a key pattern of productivity. The developed theory provides a foundation for new approaches to EBS research and design, which use visibility and prioritization, and also identify new user interface features for fostering idea integration. By emphasizing idea integration, designers and managers are provided with practical, cognition-based criteria for choosing interface features, which can improve EBS productivity. This theory also has implications for both the practice and research of knowledge management, especially for the attention-based view of the organization.

Towards an Optimal Level of Information Systems Flexibility - A Conceptual Model

While insufficient flexibility of an information system to support a given business process precludes system use in certain cases, excessive flexibility can limit system usability (Silver 1991), in addition to presenting an unnecessary investment. Despite a wealth of research on flexibility and its impacts on organizations and business processes (esp. manufacturing), the value of flexibility and the price at which it comes have rarely been included into the analysis, with the result that guidelines to determine an appropriate (let alone optimal) level of flexibility of organizations, business processes or information systems have not been developed. To support decisions regarding information system flexibility, the current paper presents a conceptual model that determines the performance of a given business process during the lifetime of a supporting information system, with performance measured as costefficiency. The focus of the model is on the trade-off between investments in two types of flexibility: flexibility to use and flexibility to change an information system. After presenting the conceptual model, directions for further research are pointed out

How Much to Spend on Flexibility? Determining the Value of Information System Flexibility

ABSTRACT In the current paper, we outline several approaches to determine the value of information system (IS) flexibility, defined as the extent to which an IS can be modified and upgraded following its initial implementation. Building on an earlier conceptual model by Gebauer and Schober (2006), we calculate the value of IS flexibility for a numerical example with deterministic and stochastic model parameters. We compare the results of decision tree analysis and real option analysis and present the results of a simulation experiment. Besides practical implications, our results contribute to earlier research on IS flexibility as they highlight the need to include stochastic elements in the evaluation of IS flexibility

An Experimental Study of the Attention-based View of Idea Integration: The Need for a Multi-level Dependent Variable

Decision making involves creating a rationale for supporting a choice. Groups make many decisions that require individual members to interact and collaborate with one another. High-quality decisions require that group members pay attention to different perspectives on the decision topic, process diverse or even opposing ideas, and combine (i.e., integrate) those ideas into coherent arguments. Despite the availability of information systems (IS), such as electronic brainstorming systems (EBS), to support group decision making, researchers have relatively understudied their role in idea integration. In this paper, we focus on the role of IS user interface design in idea integration. Applying an attention-based view of idea integration, we present a model and subsequent experimental study to explore the interaction between idea visibility, prioritization, and idea integration and the moderating effects of information diversity and group size. While our results generally support the attention-based view, they also identify the need to refine the dependent variable and distinguish between different types of idea integration. The findings have implications for electronically enabled brainstorming and group decision making

Information System Flexibility and the Cost Efficiency of Business Processes

In order to be effective, an information system (IS) needs to be flexible, that is, it must be able to accommodate a certain amount of variation regarding the requirements of the supported business process. Despite many previous studies on the flexibility of organizations, processes, and various organizational technologies, the economics of flexibility are not yet well understood. The current paper contributes to IS theory building with a focus on the impact of IS flexibility on the cost efficiency of a given business process. We present a theoretical model that details the economics of two generic strategies of IS flexibility (i.e., flexibility-to-use regarding the IS features that are provided at the time of implementation, and flexibility-to-change regarding the IS features that constitute an option for later system upgrade), and that also includes the possibility of process performance outside of the IS (manual operations). Based on an analysis of the model, we conclude that IS flexibility-to-change is cost efficiently deployed to support a business process characterized by a high level of structural and environmental uncertainty, whereas a low level of process uncertainty corresponds efficiently with IS flexibility-to-use. The model also indicates that high process variability can improve the importance of IS flexibility management in general, as it tends to limit the value of an IS over manual operations, whereas a high level of time-criticality of process requirements tends to increase the value of an IS over manual operations

Are Shared Ideas Used? An Empirical Examination of the Effects of IS User Interface Features on Idea Integration in Electronic Brainstorming

Are shared ideas used? Despite the pervasive use of electronic media for idea generation and idea sharing, the extent and quality of idea integration and use in electronic brainstorming is relatively understudied. This study empirically examines an attention-based theory of idea integration that underscores the importance of IS user interface design. Building upon Cognitive Network Model of Creativity (CNM) and ability-motivation framework, the attention-based view of idea integration formulates a causal model for idea integration in the context of user interface. The causal model focuses on the effect of idea visibility and prioritization on idea integration and the extent to which those relationships are moderated by information diversity and group size. A full description of the experimental study and its implications are provided in the paper

Modeling User Behavior in Web 2.0 Collaborative Knowledge Creation Application

Web 2.0 has provided variety of pathways for individuals to contribute ideas, information and solutions to other individuals around the world. Online communities such as Yahoo Answers, Google mail.ru, 3form.org are examples of places where Web surfers go and share information and brainstorm on the problems or questions posted by others. Although many ideas are created and shared through Web 2.0 communities, with time and attention being two scarce resources, individuals face some challenges when seeking the right information. In this article we investigate two concepts of idea integration and idea visibility that we believe are critical to the success of knowledge sharing communities. Ideas proposed and recorded in these communities rarely converge to comprehensive solutions; although pieces of information are available, there is not enough motivation for the contributors to integrate their ideas with those previously suggested and to create a more comprehensive idea or solution. Little or no integration of ideas leads to information redundancy and to generation of long list of ideas and solutions that in addition to causing cognitive overload, significantly decreases the visibility of the ideas that might be relevant to the information seeking individuals but are hardly exposed to the viewers