Understanding the Dynamics of IS Value Creation in an Inter-organizational Context

In this study, we focus on understanding the process of value creation in an inter-organizational (IOS) context. Specifically, we analyze how the dependencies between inter-firm and intra-firm process affect IOS value creation and how do the complementarity between technology and process artifacts affect process of IOS value creation. We build our research framework based on theoretical concepts in institutional literature such as structuration theory. Synthesizing the insights provided by structuration theory and institutional literature with the work of Soh and Markus, we extend their process framework to analyze the dynamics of IS value creation in an inter-organizational context. Since our focus in this study is on studying the processes involved in IOS systems, we consider case study approach as the most appropriate to develop rich and thick descriptions of the process dynamics in inter-organizational context. We propose a nested approach to individual cases from specific industries by selecting one key project where interorganizational systems were set up. We seek to analyze the results at a business unit level that operate within a single competitive environment. Our study will draw upon archival data and interviews of the key informants of alliance process and inter-organizational systems in these organizations. Through this research, we hope to contribute to IS literature in many ways. First, we aim to address a conceptual gap at the social network level. Second, the research is expected to provide insights into complementary relationship between process and technology artifacts and its impact on process of IS value creation in inter-organizational context. Finally, study results will provide managerial implications for leveraging IS resources in alliance relationship.