Structure and Perceived Effectiveness of Software Development Subunits: A Task Contingency Analysis.

Author List: Kim, K. Kyu; Umanath, Narayan S.;

Journal of Management Information Systems, 1992, Volume 9, Issue 3, Page 157-181.

The nature of the task to be performed by the information systems (IS) unit as a contextual factor has received little attention in the IS research literature. In addition, prior empirical work examining IS structure lacks theoretical foundation. In this paper we first clarify the multidimensional nature of an organization's subunit structure. Then, we examine the impact of the structure variables on the perceived effectiveness of a subunit of lS--software development--using "task" as the contextual contingency influencing this relationship. Organizational information processing theory provides the theoretical foundation for this study. Analysis of data from thirty hospital reveals that a contingency relationship exists between task context and structural dimensions of software development subunits in determining their effectiveness. Task complexity and decision-making structure in interaction exhibit a nonmonotonic effect on the software development subunit's effectiveness. While the interaction of subunit work flow interdependence with both decision-making structure and control structure was significant, the direction of effect was unexpected. Implications of these findings for practicing managers, and IS planners and researchers are discussed.

Keywords: decentralization; IS effectiveness; IS task characteristics; IS unit structure; structural contingency model.

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#181	0.169	outcomes theory nature interaction theoretical paradox versus interpersonal literature provides individual levels understanding dimensions addition foundation various understand productivity work
#165	0.151	uncertainty contingency integration environmental theory data fit key using model flexibility perspective environment perspectives high conditions processing examine issue uncertain
#1	0.135	organizational organizations effectiveness factors managers model associated context characteristics variables paper relationships level attention environmental technological based maturity organization's relationship
#9	0.112	using subjects results study experiment did conducted task time used experienced use preference experimental presented decision-making empirical significantly effects better
#244	0.103	structure integration complex business enhancement effects access extent analyzing volatile capture requires occurs pattern enables independent integrative structured decision-making costs
#224	0.089	complexity task environments e-business environment factors technology characteristics literature affect influence role important relationship model organizational contingent actual map dimension
#261	0.089	software development maintenance case productivity application tools systems function tool engineering projects effort code developed applications analysis estimation methodology methods
#127	0.067	systems information research theory implications practice discussed findings field paper practitioners role general important key grounded researchers domain new identified