Characterizing, Explaining and Valuing the Effective Use of an IT Artefact: A Field Study of Performance Management Information Systems in SMEs

Calls have been made for IS research to shift from the study of the use of IT artefacts to the study of their effective use. In seeking to provide added validity and relevance to the concept of effective use, we apply Burton-Jones and Grange’s theoretical framework to study the dimensions, contextual drivers and benefits of effective use. This is done through a field study of performance management information systems (PMIS) as used in 16 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In characterizing, contextualizing and valuing the effective use of a mission-critical IT artefact such as a PMIS, our results provide further empirical grounding and understanding of this complex yet under researched concept.