Darren Meister

• Tsai, P.; Compeau, D. R.; Meister, D. B., 2017, "Voluntary use of information technology: an analysis and synthesis of the literature", Journal of Information Technology, June 32(2): 147 - 162.
  Abstract: Voluntariness is recognized as an important influence on individual and collective technology acceptance. We conducted a comprehensive review of this literature and identified a rich set of voluntariness concepts and methods of operationalization. However, while considerable empirical evidence is reported in the literature, our review also revealed inconsistent results concerning the relationship between voluntariness and other concepts. Against that backdrop, we synthesized the literature into three types of voluntariness perceived, intended and realizable voluntariness (RVOL), and showed how prior literature had not adequately accounted for RVOL. Moreover, we examined the multiple mechanisms that influence voluntariness and created a model to describe how to advance new knowledge about the important relationships among the three types of voluntariness and between voluntariness and user behavior. We argue that these concepts and relationships may help advance our knowledge of how a new technology is used individually and collectively in organizations.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/jit.2016.6

• Wang, Y.; Meister, D. B.; Gray, P., 2013, "Social Influence and Knowledge Management Systems Use: Evidence from Panel Data", MIS Quarterly, March 37(1): 299 - 313.
  Abstract: Theory suggests that coworkers may influence individuals’ technology use behaviors, but there is limited research in the technology diffusion literature that explicates how such social influence processes operate after initial adoption. We investigate how two key social influence mechanisms (identification and internalization) may explain the growth over time in individuals’ use of knowledge management systems (KMS)a technology that because of its publicly visible use provides a rich context for investigating social influence. We test our hypotheses using longitudinal KMS usage data on over 80,000 employees of a management consulting firm. Our approach infers the presence of identification and internalization from associations between actual system use behaviors by a focal individual and prior system use by a range of reference groups. Evidence of these kinds of associations between system use behaviors helps construct a more complete picture of social influence mechanisms, and is to our knowledge novel to the technology diffusion literature. Our results confirm the utility of this approach for understanding social influence effects and reveal a fine-grained pattern of influence across different social groups: we found strong support for bottom-up social influence across hierarchical levels, limited support for peer-level influence within levels, and no support for top-down influence.
• Wang, Y.; Meister, D. B.; Gray, P., 2011, "In or Out: An Integrated Model of Individual Knowledge Source Choice", Journal of Organizational and End User Computing, June 23(2): 37 - 56.
  Abstract: The way individuals use internal and external knowledge sources influences organizational knowledge integration, an important source of competitive advantage. Drawing on research into knowledge sourcing and consumer switching behavior, the authors develop an integrated model to understand individuals’ choices between internal and external knowledge sources in contemporary work settings, where information technology has made both easily accessible. A test of the model using survey data collected from an international consulting firm yields an important new insight: satisfied individuals in knowledge reuse friendly environments are likely to use internal knowledge sources while they may also be tempted by easily accessible external knowledge sources. The implications for researchers and practitioners are also discussed.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/joeuc.2011040103

• Wang, Y.; Meister, D. B.; Wang, Y., 2011, "Re-examining Relative Advantage: An Empirical Study", International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education, March 7(1): 46 - 59.
  Abstract: Relative advantage and perceived usefulness are often used interchangeably in the literature. In this paper, the authors argue that this limits the understanding of the adoption of ICTs, especially when there are multiple alternatives. To address this issue, the authors reexamine relative advantage in relation to perceived usefulness, providing a re-specification of relative advantage and empirically testing a model that explores the roles of these constructs in explaining and predicting the adoption of a new technology in the presence of an existing one. The results demonstrate that perceived usefulness and relative advantage are related but distinct constructs. In particular, relative advantage fully mediates the effect of perceived usefulness of existing technology on the intention to use a new technology, and partially mediates the effect of perceived usefulness of the new technology on the intention to use it. The findings have important theoretical implications that help investigators better apply these constructs in research, as well as practical implications for ICT promotion strategy.Relative advantage and perceived usefulness are often used interchangeably in the literature. In this paper, the authors argue that this limits the understanding of the adoption of ICTs, especially when there are multiple alternatives. To address this issue, the authors reexamine relative advantage in relation to perceived usefulness, providing a re-specification of relative advantage and empirically testing a model that explores the roles of these constructs in explaining and predicting the adoption of a new technology in the presence of an existing one. The results demonstrate that perceived usefulness and relative advantage are related but distinct constructs. In particular, relative advantage fully mediates the effect of perceived usefulness of existing technology on the intention to use a new technology, and partially mediates the effect of perceived usefulness of the new technology on the intention to use it. The findings have important theoretical implications that help investigators better apply these constructs in research, as well as practical implications for ICT promotion strategy.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/jicte.2011010105

• Harrigan, P.; Schroeder, A.; Qureshi, I.; Fang, Y.; Ibbotson, P.; Ramsey, E.; Meister, D. B., 2010, "Internet Technologies, ECRM Capabilities, and Performance Benefits for SMEs: An Exploratory Study", International Journal of Electronic Commerce, December 15(2): 7 - 46.
  Abstract: Research on large firms suggests that dedicated customer relationship management (CRM) software applications play a critical role in creating and sustaining customer relationships. CRM is also of strategic importance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but most of them do not employ dedicated CRM software. Instead they use generic Internet-based technologies to manage customer relationships with electronic CRM (eCRM). There has been little research on the extent to which the use of generic Internet technologies contributes to SME performance. The present study fills the gap, building upon the literature on organizational capabilities, marketing, and SMEs to develop a research model with which to explore the relationships between generic Internet technologies, eCRM capabilities, and the resulting performance benefits in the SME context. A survey across 286 SMEs in Ireland finds strong empirical evidence in support of the hypotheses regarding these benefits. The study contributes to managerial decision making by showing how SMEs can use generic Internet technologies to advance their customer relationships and contributes to theory development by conceptualizing eCRM capabilities in an SME context.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.2753/JEC1086-4415150201

• Gray, P.; Meister, D. B., 2006, "Knowledge Sourcing Methods", Information and Management, February 43(2): 142 - 156.
  Abstract: Many knowledge management (KM) initiatives in organizations seek to improve how employees draw on each others' expertise, experience, advice, and opinions we call this knowledge sourcing behavior. Employees can source knowledge recorded in document form, through dyadic conversations, or in group settings. We proposed and tested a theory to support the idea that employees' use of different classes of knowledge sourcing methods produced different kinds of performance outcomes. Our findings suggested that (1) different classes of knowledge sourcing methods are not as interchangeable as the KM literature might suggest, (2) technology-based methods are neither inherently superior nor inferior to traditional methods and (3) that group knowledge sourcing supports a wider range of performance outcomes than other methods.
• Street, C. T.; Meister, D. B., 2004, "Small business growth and internal transparency: The role of information systems", MIS Quarterly: Management Information Systems, September 28(3): 473 - 506.
  Abstract: While many large businesses start out as a small enterprise, remarkably little is known about how an organization actually changes internally during the periods of growth. Small business growth is known to strain internal communication processes, for example, which likely limits growth opportunities. Information systems are often called upon to remedy such deficiencies. Through a participatory action research project, we investigated the ways in which a small business management team developed an IS-enabled solution to address their growth needs. During the progression of the project, a new outcome of organizational effectiveness, internal transparency, was identified and developed. Adopting a punctuated equilibrium perspective, a theoretical process model is proposed that sheds light on a relationship between internal transparency, small business growth, and IS. The paper concludes with observations that internal transparency may well be a concept that offers significant potential for MIS research as well as a discussion about the applicability and credibility of participatory action research for this project.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/25148647

• Gray, P.; Meister, D. B., 2004, "Knowledge Sourcing Effectiveness", Management Science, June 50(6): 821 - 834.
  Abstract: Much of the knowledge management (KM) literature focuses on ways to increase the volume of knowledge available to employees, ensure its quality, and improve its accessibility. Such supply-side arguments are limited to the extent that they do not address the demand for knowledge within organizations. This paper takes a novel approach to understanding how access to others' knowledge produces benefits by studying the extent to which individuals intentionally access each other's expertise, experience, insights and opinions, which we term knowledge sourcing. A general model of knowledge sourcing, including contextual and dispositional antecedents and learning outcomes, is proposed and validated using survey data from a global organization. Knowledge sourcing explains a significant proportion of individuals' learning outcomes, but the strength of this effect is moderated both by the strength of individuals' learning orientation and the degree to which they find their jobs to be intellectually demanding. For researchers, this study extends existing knowledge by proposing, testing and validating a new way to understand an important KM issue in organizations. Practitioners can use these findings to evaluate existing KM efforts and to better target future KM interventions towards individuals who are most likely to benefit.
• Ford, D. P.; Connelly, C. E.; Meister, D. B., 2003, "Information Systems Research and Hofstede's Culture's Consequences: An Uneasy and Incomplete Partnership", IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, December 50(1): 8 - 25.
  Abstract: Information systems (IS) researchers have begun to investigate how national culture, as articulated by Hofstede, affects a wide variety of issues. A citation analysis of IS articles that cite Hofstede's research on national culture suggests that most research is focused on issues related to IS management and to IS, while issues related to IS development and operations and to IS usage remain relatively unexamined. within the dominant categories, research is concentrated in the IS management and types of information systems subcategories. Furthermore, the dimensions of national culture outlined by Hofstede have not been frequently used to develop and to build theory. Research opportunities and approaches to develop a stronger cumulative tradition and theory for international IS issues are proposed.
• Gerwin, D.; Meister, D. B., 2002, "Coordinating New Product Development in an International Joint Venture", International Journal of Technology Management, June 24(1): 27 - 43.
  Abstract: This is a case study of the problems in coordinating business functions (R&D and manufacturing) among firms engaged in a joint venture for new product development (NPD). The study focused on relationships across organizational boundaries, that is among the joint venture organization and the two partner companies. The findings indicate that a partnership's task and task environment, specifically cross-company subunit interdependencies, produce requirements for inter-functional coordination between firms. Certain partner characteristics, however, hamper attaining the required coordination. These characteristics include the relative degree of concurrency of the partners' NPD processes and a partner's difficulty in establishing external information technology linkages. Aspects of the partners' relationship, specifically perceived appropriability risks, also hinder achieving the necessary coordination. The relative degree to which each partner has management control over the relationship influences perceived risks.
• Kersten, G. E.; Meister, D. B., 1996, "Qualitative Representation of Negotiations: A Tutorial of a Rule-Based Approach", Group Decision and Negotiation, December 5(2): 177 - 206.
  Abstract: This article introduces a logic-based approach for structuring and representing negotiation problems and for supporting negotiators. It is argued that rule-based formalism allows for integrating decision-making aspects unique and specific to negotiations with general reasoning mechanisms based on rationality postulates. The discussion of the rule-based systems and its application to negotiation modeling and support is preceded by an outline of qualitative and quantitative approaches to problem representation and reasoning, and an overview of predicate calculus. The advantages and disadvantages of rule-based systems and their ability to capture complex negotiation decision processes and reasoning are also given.
• Hipel, K. W.; Meister, D. B., 1994, "Conflict Analysis Methodology for Modeling Coalitions in Multilateral Negotiations", Information and Decision Technologies, December 19: 85 - 103.
  Abstract: Definitions and algorithms are presented for predicting, modeling and analyzing coalitions that may form in group decision and negotiation. In particular, two metrics are defined and compared for predicting which coalitions are most likely to form in a given dispute. Moreover, a technique is developed for calculating the overall preferences for a coalition based upon the ordinal preferences of the coalition members. To demonstrate how the new developments in coalition analysis work in practice, they are applied to an actual international conflict over trade in ser ices. The final results of the case study show how coalitions can affect the compromise resolutions or equilibria to the trading conflict.
• Meister, D. B.; Fraser, N. M., 1994, "Conflict Analysis Techniques for Negotiation Support", Group Decision and Negotiation, December 3(3): 333 - 345.
  Abstract: The integration of certain conflict analysis techniques into a comprehensive negotiations support system (NSS) called the Single Party Prescriptive Analysis Negotiation Support System (SPANSS) provides a useful tool for negotiation analysis. SPANSS supplies both strategic and tactical negotiation support within a consolidated framework. Methods taken from conflict analysis for dealing with misperceptions, the dynamics of negotiation, and coalitions form the strategic support component of SPANSS. Descriptions of the approaches are supported by several examples.
• Meister, D. B.; Fraser, N. M., 1993, "Towards Prescriptive Negotiation Support System", Control and Cybernetics, December 22(4): 103 - 117.
  Abstract: Negotiations can be a complex process for which sufficient foresight and planning are required. A negotiator must be prepared both strategically and tactically. A negotiation support system is presented that proactively assists the user in planning and preparation. Both forms of preparation, strategic and tactical, are incorporated into the architecture. The decision making paradigms of the strategic support are drawn from conflict analysis, while a rule-based system provides tactical support. The specific goals and characteristics of the negotiator are reconciled with the possible plans of action generated by the tactical and strategic support systems through the use of a multicriteria decision making technique called the Ordinal Hierarchy Method. The precise definition and implementation of this system is currently being completed.
• Meister, D. B.; Hipel, K. W.; De, M., 1992, "Coalition Formation", Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research, December 51(8/9): 612 - 625.
  Abstract: An informative metric is developed for determining which group of two or more decision-makers who are taking part in a conflict is most likely to form a coalition. The coalition metric is based upon the premise that decision-makers having more similar preferences with respect to the dispute under study have more incentive to join a coalition. To represent the ordinal preferences of each decision-maker, the importance vector approach is proposed and it relationships to importance vectors and preference trees are explained. Because the option form of the abstract game model is employed, the coalition metric is conveniently defined in terms of options, which are fundamental coursed of action that are available to the decision-makers. Another advantage of the coalition metric is that it can handle partial preference information and can be conveniently programmed as part of a decision support system for conflict analysis. Moreover, an algorithm is given for calculating the overall preferences of a coalition group suggested by the metric.

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