Information system outsourcing and strategic decision making : a meta-theoretic review of the literature

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Given the ubiquity of information systems and their importance for the functioning of organisations; understanding information systems and their impact on organisations has become critical for organisational success. The ability to effectively use information systems plays an increasing role in the success of organisations. There are many facets to understanding information systems in organisations, this thesis will assess the relationship between outsourcing an information system, and the strategic processes which lead to and are impacted by the outsourcing decision.The aim of this thesis is to deepen the understanding of decision making in the Information System Outsourcing literature by reflecting on the state of the literature from a research point of view. This thesis therefore undertakes a meta-theoretic review of the Information System Outsourcing literature, using journal articles, to get a general picture of the literature which will then be assessed in terms of the breadth of decision making perspectives which have been researched and the depth to which each perspective has been explored.First, the extent to which the development of the field of information system outsourcing resembles the development of the Information System Theory in general will be determined. This will be done by examining the history and development of the Information System Theory field, and examining the consequences of the fields' rapid development for the legitimacy of the field.Next, criticisms which have been raised against the Information System Outsourcing literature will be identified and discussed, the primary criticism being the charge that the Information System Outsourcing field is broad in scope but shallow in its depth of understanding of decision making in the outsourcing processes. These criticisms, which are shared with the field of Information System Theory, are argued to arise from the history of rapid development of Information System Outsourcing. The potential consequences of these criticisms for Information System Outsourcing practitioners and researchers will also be discussed in order to establish the importance of evaluating the theme of Information System Outsourcing.Thirdly, a framework with which to test the criticism against the Information System Outsourcing literature will be developed. This framework will combine insights from decision theory with those of organisation theory.Finally; the framework will be used to analyse the Information System Outsourcing literature in order to verify or disprove the allegation of a broad but shallow understanding of decision making in Information System Outsourcing. This allegation will be addressed primarily through an analysis of the information system outsourcing literature in order to evaluate its depth.The analysis shows that the literature on Information System Outsourcing, whilst showing positive development, is not yet mature. The danger of the theme of Information System Outsourcing falling into an identity crisis like that faced by its parent field of Information Systems Theory still exists. The analysis also shows the areas in which the literature must develop in order to avoid an identity crisis. On meta-theoretical level, the value of returning to fundamental issues in Information Systems Outsourcing is shown through the use of decision theory and organisation theory.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University