How interpersonal conflicts influence IS-sourcing decisions

Ulbrich, Frank (2009) How interpersonal conflicts influence IS-sourcing decisions. Strategic Outsourcing: An International Journal, 2 (3). pp. 208-222. ISSN 1753-8297

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Abstract

Frameworks on information systems-sourcing (IS-sourcing) decisions are frequently based on rational-choice theory, neglecting such non-quantifiable aspects as interpersonal conflicts. The purpose of this paper is to find out whether such interpersonal conflicts have a determining influence on an organization's IS-sourcing decision.
An illustrative case-study strategy is applied.
The following interpersonal conflicts had a determining influence on an organization's IS-sourcing decision: tensions between personnel in the IS department and those in the users' departments; lack of capabilities on a personal level; power in and between departments; and face-saving in the corporate group. Based on these empirical findings, a generic model is developed to illustrate how interpersonal conflicts enmesh with economic, business, and technical factors, and influence IS-sourcing decisions.
The generic model enables researchers to study IS-sourcing decisions better. It enriches previous research on IS-sourcing decisions and alerts researchers that they need to cope with non-quantifiable aspects that can have an impact on IS-sourcing decisions.
Once managers understand how interpersonal conflicts can influence an organization's IS-sourcing decision, they can assess their own organizations more accurately and estimate outcomes of particular IS-sourcing decisions more realistically. Thus, this paper enables organizations to make better IS-sourcing decisions, thereby – in the long run – helping them to use IS more effectively in their attempts to improve their business performances and competitive advantages.
This paper extends previous research on IS-sourcing and fills a gap in traditional frameworks on IS-sourcing decisions. It illustrates how various types of interpersonal conflicts enmesh with economic, business, and technical factors, and influence IS-sourcing decisions.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	financial management, information systems, make or buy decisions, outsourcing, strategic choices
Subjects:	N100 Business studies N900 Others in Business and Administrative studies P100 Information Services
Department:	Faculties > Business and Law > Newcastle Business School
Depositing User:	Ay Okpokam
Date Deposited:	21 Dec 2011 15:16
Last Modified:	19 Nov 2019 09:53
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/4332

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