Social-Technical Issues in Organizational Information Technologies
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ItemUnlocking Perceived Algorithmic Autonomy-Support: Scale Development and Validation( 2021-01-05)Platform workers’ autonomy and agency are recurring themes in the study of the gig-economy where narratives purporting workers’ autonomy and empowerment conflict with those alleging the control and marginalization of workers. While it has been said that promoting workers’ agency can threaten the valuation of platform-based companies, the benefits of supporting workers’ autonomy in traditional organizations are well-established. To understand such inconsistencies, it is necessary to measure perceptions of autonomy-support; yet, no validated instruments exist that can be used to measure workers’ perceptions of algorithmic autonomy-support. To address this gap, we draw on the Theory of Self-Determination to reconceptualize the notion of autonomy-support for the techno-organizational phenomenon of algorithmically managed platform work. In doing so, we introduce a new construct, namely: Perceived Algorithmic Autonomy Support (PAAS). In this work-in-progress paper, we describe our current work in developing and validating a theoretically-based measure for PAAS. Preliminary results are provided.
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ItemTechno-Eustress: The Impact of Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use on the Perception of Work-Related Stressors( 2021-01-05)An extensive body of literature elaborates on the negative side of technostress. However, appraising stressors as challenges rather than as threats evidently leads to positive perceptions of stress, namely eustress. We derive from the person-environment fit model that the higher the acceptance of information and communication technologies is, the higher is the perception of eustress. As perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are proven antecedents of technology acceptance, we study how these two technology beliefs affect the perception of challenge stressors and how the challenge stressors influence the psychological response in terms of perceived eustress. We collected data from 168 employees in a web-based survey and used structural equation modeling. The results support our propositions and confirm that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are significant determinants of work-related challenge stressors enhancing the perception of eustress.
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ItemNon-Inclusive Online Security: Older Adults' Experience with Two-Factor Authentication( 2021-01-05)Older adults access critical resources online, including bank, retirement, and health insurance accounts. Thus, it is necessary to protect their accounts so they can confidently use these services that are increasingly being moved online. Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects online assets through efficient and robust authentication, but adoption and usability remain a challenge. Our in-depth qualitative research focuses on ten older adults’ (≥ 60 years) sustained (non)usage of 2FA for thirty days. Participants’ limited adoption of the security keys stemmed from its non-inclusive design, lack of tangible benefits, inconsistent instructions, and device dependencies. We propose design modifications, age-friendly instructions, effective risk communication, and appropriate assistance to encourage 2FA adoption among older adults and institutions entrusted with their data. We also introduce the concept of ‘Security Caregivers,’ who can ensure security and digital independence for the aging population
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ItemManaging Digital Transformation with Sociotechnical Micro-Foundations: A Dynamic Capabilities Approach( 2021-01-05)The dynamic capabilities approach has contributed to our understanding of digital transformation and has been complemented with the concept of micro-foundations. However, the potential contribution of micro-foundations has not fully been realized in IS research to explain the dynamics of digital transformation. Thus, we introduce sociotechnical micro-foundations, which we posit in an empirically grounded theoretical framework through an in-depth case study of the digital transformation of a Nordic hotel chain. The proposed framework advances the literature on dynamic capability and digital transformation by extending our understanding of how competencies and digital resources are interrelated in digital transformations.
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ItemDeveloping Ambidextrous Routines in the IT Service Provider Industry( 2021-01-05)This study explores ambidextrous practices and distinctive leadership styles in interorganizational settings of two German medium sized IT service providers. We draw on the theory of routines-as-practices and on the organizational ambidexterity literature to analyze organizational practices aiming at both potential for change (exploration) and stability (exploitation). We identify two distinct modes of contextual ambidexterity, whereby one capability is used to improve the other, i.e. ‘exploration for exploitation’, an orientation towards continually improving the quality of the service delivery, and ‘exploration through exploitation’, an approach of project-driven learning. We highlight and classify a multi-layered repertoire of ambidextrous routines across the three levels of analysis: leadership, project team, and client relations. Our findings illustrate elaborate management repertoires of interventions with respect to culture, structures, policies or practices, which are aligned with the ecosystem within which both companies are operating.
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ItemCoping with Organizational Information Technology Events: A Perceived Organizational Support and Relationship-Focused Coping Perspective( 2021-01-05)While in recent years there is an increasing interest in researching individual technology acceptance and use based on the stress-coping perspective, relatively little attention has been paid to social-contextual factors as the antecedents of individual coping strategies and coping outcomes. The research proposal is intended to address this limitation. Specifically, drawing on coping theory, organizational support theory, and research on organizational conflict management, a model on individual use of technology that incorporate perceived organizational support (POS) and positive/negative relationship-focused coping strategies is proposed. POS as a key coping resource during stress is expected to influence employees’ primary and secondary appraisals of an IT event, which in turn affect their choices of positive/negative relationship-focused coping strategies, and the resulting technology use or nonuse. By considering the social aspect of coping, the proposed research is expected to bring additional insights to researchers and practitioners.
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ItemContext-Aware Digitalization – Adapting solution development to the organizational context of SMEs( 2021-01-05)In the context of digital transformation, it is mandatory for most organizations to conduct information systems development (ISD) projects as part of their digitalization and business development journey. One reason that many ISD projects fail is lack of knowledge about which ISD method (ISDM) is most suitable for the project at hand and how to adapt it to reflect the respective business development context. These problems especially occur in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as they often lack specific methodological skills and project governance experience – so they cannot even manage ISD consultancies that promise to support them in their digital transformation. In this conceptual paper, we present the design of a method for selecting and using ISDM for SMEs. It considers both the context dependency and missing project governance skills of SMEs. The main components of the proposed method link the knowledge areas of business development and ISD: business context evaluation, ISDM selection and ISDM management.
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ItemAcceptance of Anthropomorphic Technology: A Literature Review( 2021-01-05)Anthropomorphic Technology (AT) is technology that is human-like in design and motivates anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human-like characteristics to nonhuman objects. Extant research informs user responses of familiarity and acceptance to AT, but also withdrawal from and rejection of AT. There is little integration of research on this topic. We examine and synthesize studies on user responses to AT published in leading IS journals. We identify kinds of anthropomorphic design and dimensions, and find that although most research demonstrates a positive influence of human- like design on user response, many factors can moderate this effect. We recognize these factors and propose directions for future research.
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