Effective Information Technology Introduciton: The Roles of Knowledge and Communication

Improving the process of finding and acquiring new information technology (IT) has been called "one of the most persistently challenging topics in the IT field" (Fichmm 1992, p. 95). In order to improve the process, we must first identify the components imbcdded within it. We employ the concept of absorptive capacity (Cohen and Levinthal 1990) to focus and synthesize research in innovation, communication, and organizational learning in order to address the question: What are the roles of knowledge and communication during the new rr introduction process? Absorptive capacity is the ability to iden fy, assimilate. and exploit external information (Cohen and Levinthal 1990). It is comprised of prior relevant knowledge and communication to facilitate the ansfer of knowledge. It has previously been studied from an economic perspective. focusing on revenues and expenses. Our aim in this research was to develop a behavioral model that could be used to identify where spending should be allocated. To build the model, we conducted a literatize review, group niedings with practitioners, interviews, and two case studies. Thc literature review provides the justification for a model of technology introduction that examines communication and knowledge. The group nretings and intaviews helped us to identify the nature of the problem from a practitioner perspective. They also provided support for the basic components of absorptive capacity as we have defined it: prior relevant knowledge, communication network, and commimication climate. The case studies provided an additional component absorption determinants that provide some of the impetus to build absorplive capacity. 'rhis is one of a series of studies aimed at uncovering the details of the IT introduction process. This research program promises toprovide practitioners with concrete suggestions for improving absorptive capacity and thus, IT introduction process effectiveness.From a theoretical perspective, this research addresses the current lack of theory in information systems (IS) innovation (Swanson1994) and is aimed at developing a behavioral-based conceptualization of absorptive capacity for use in the IS field. In addition, weprovide a foundation for future longitudinal research into the process of IT introduction.REFERENCES Cohen, W. M., and Lcvinthal, D. A "Absorptive Capacity A New Perspective on Learning and Innovation." Administrative ScienceQuarterly, Volume 35, Number 1, March 1990, pp. 128-152.Mchman, R. G. 'Information TechnologyDiffusion: A Review ofEmpirical Research." In J. I. DeGross, J. D. Becker, and J. J. Elam(Editors), Proceedings ofthe 77:incenth international Co,!ference on /,!fonnation Systems. Dallas, Texas, December 1992. pp.195-206.Swanson, E. B. 'Inforination STtems Innovation Among Organizations." Management Science, Volume 40, Number 9, September1994, pp. 1069-1092.