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Strategic Information Systems Planning in Inter-Organizational Networks: Adapting SISP Approaches to Network Context

Hannu Salmela, Ton Spil, Strategic Information Systems Planning in Inter-Organizational Networks: Adapting SISP Approaches to Network Context. In: Dan Remenyi (Ed.), Proceedings of the 2nd European Conference on IS Management, Leadership and Governance (ECMLG 2006), 2006.

Abstract:

For over two decades, the network economy is taking shape, forcing organizations to co-operate intensively. The use of technology to support the exchange of information is essential in these networks. Still, existing methods for strategic IS planning are based on an assumption that planning takes place inside a single organization. This research asks, how these methods need to be adapted, if they were to be applied in a network context. The paper draws from several background disciplines in order to identify approaches to network governance. The review identified similarities to managerial styles within single organisations, such as reliance on personal relationships and/or hierarchic authority to enforce implementation of plan. In networks, however, strategic IS planning should also employ contractual mechanisms to cope with conflicting interests between different parties. Hence, the political approach to SISP, which is often considered as less desirable within a single organization, can constitute a far more significant approach in a network context. This paper identifies SISP dimensions that characterise political/contractual planning. In a network context, the SISP process should pay more attention to analysing the costs and benefits for different network parties in order to formulate contracts that ensure commitment to the implementation of plans. These new dimensions are illustrated through an analysis of IS planning process within five insurance companies that recently merged.

BibTeX entry:

@INPROCEEDINGS{inpSaSp06a,
  title = {Strategic Information Systems Planning in Inter-Organizational Networks: Adapting SISP Approaches to Network Context},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2nd European Conference on IS Management, Leadership and Governance (ECMLG 2006)},
  author = {Salmela, Hannu and Spil, Ton},
  editor = {Remenyi, Dan},
  year = {2006},
}

Belongs to TUCS Research Unit(s): Network Economics Institute

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