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

:The nature of the task to be performed by the information systems (IS) unit as a contextual factor has received litLIe allention 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 IS—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 hospitals 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.

• 저널Journal of Management Information Systems · 9(3) · 157–181
• 토픽Information Technology Governance and Strategy · Management Information Systems
• DOI10.1080/07421222.1992.11517972
• 저자K. Kyu Kim, Narayan S. Umanath