From Intention to Motivation: Developing a Motivation-based Model of IOS Adoption and Implementation

Interorganizational systems (IOS) are increasingly being implemented throughout supply chains, attracting the attention of many researchers seeking to understand this phenomenon. We argue that the activities performed during the implementation process and the post-adoption outcomes associated with these systems can be traced back to the principle motivation underpinning the adoption decision. In developing our theory, we critique the predominant technology acceptance and diffusion of innovations based approaches as they apply to the implementation of IOS technology, and present an alternative theoretical model based on a firm’s motivational intent. We argue that differences in motivational intentions largely explain system implementation processes and outcomes. Theory-based motivational scenarios are presented to make specific predictions regarding the impact of motivations on which system investigation and development activities are performed, and their short and long-term implications for an organization.