Meta-View of Blockchain Technology Tensions in Organizational Implementation and Use

Abstract

Blockchain inherits tensions that depend on its infrastructure design as well as distinctive features of, among others, smart contracts and storage mechanisms. Studies propose coping strategies for companies that deal with blockchain-related tensions, but so far suggestions are characterized by context- and case-specificity. This paper proposes a meta-view on tensions arising from the implementation and usage of blockchain in organizational contexts. A structured literature review is conducted to condense existing insights from the literature to a meta-view on blockchain-related tension. A framework provides insights into different types of tensions. The framework has two aims: (1) providing a foundation to jointly build insights and IS theorization on blockchain tensions without being case- and context-sensitive. (2), it provides food for thought for companies that want to implement or use blockchain, which serves as first step toward developing recommendations that guide companies through identifying and managing tensions arising from blockchain implementation and usage.