INTERACTIONS BETWEEN INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS USE: AN EMPIRICAL TEST

摘要

This study implemented an empirical test of the reciprocal interactions between inter-organizational relationship (IOR) and inter-organizational system (IOS) use. First, the reciprocal interactions are conceptualized into IOR→IOS use model and IOS use→IOR model. Second, survey data are used to test the proposed models. And it is found that the reciprocal interactions are a combination of symmetric and asymmetric relationships. Further, the comparison of total effects and direct effects based hypotheses testing reveals that it is the synergy among all IOR elements that can orient the IOR-IOS use interactions towards a positive feedback loop that may enhance IOR performance. Third, the findings also demonstrate that IOS use may enable or force firms to move away from both the spot market and the pure hierarchy and become more collaborative. Finally, limitations and implications of this study are also discussed. As a whole, this study complements with existing one-directional studies of IOR-IOS use interactions.