The Impact of IT Infusion and Diffusion on Some Characteristics of IS Planning: A Model and an Empirical Test

Information s>Stems plans traditionallyhave been conceived as a Ineatis of recogilizing opportunities and problems where information technology might be used, identifying the resources needed to support the application of information technology, and developing strategies and procedures to allow information technology to be applied successfully. Prom an agency theory and transaction cost theory perspective, however, information systems plans might also be used to provide a basis for bonding auid nionitoring information systems managers, to help resolve how unforeseen gains and losses will be distributed among information systems managers and their superiors, and to facilitate judgments on the level ofdecision rights to be delegated by senior management to information systems managers. In the context of this latter view of information systems planning, an important issue is to understand the set of factors that determine whether senior manageinent or the information systems manager controls the planning process and whether the focus of the plan primarily addresses the goals and objectives of senior management or the information s>-tems manager. We propose a model that articulates how information technology infusion and diffusion might impact who controls the planning process and ultiinately the focus of the plan. We then test this model empirically using a survey of information systems managers and their immediate superiors. We find that higher levels of infusion are associated with senior managelnent exercising greater control over the planning process and the plan focusing more on their goals and objectives. Diffusion also has an impact 011 these two variables via its effects on infusion.