| Many dramatic and potentially powerful uses of information technology involve interorganizational systems (IOS). These systems, defined as distributed computing systems that support shared processes between firms, have become fundamental to business operations, spanning multiple activities in value/supply chains. They have opened avenues to unprecedented collaborative linkages between firms. As IOS-mediated relational networks are rapidly evolving, roles of IOS have progressively changed beyond those of efficiency and power functions.; To fully appreciate modern roles of IOS in e-business, this dissertation addresses two key research questions: (1) How do firms achieve competitiveness through IOS? (2) How do IOS influence competitive behaviors of the competing firms in intertwined electronic networks? It does so by integrating three research streams---social network analysis, interorganizational systems, and competitive dynamics---into a model of competitive dynamics in electronic networks. This study focuses on the paired relationships between the three constructs of network structure, IOS use, and competitive action, and empirically investigates nine general hypotheses.; Data collection focuses on second-hand data in the automotive industry. A total of 805 collaborative relationships, 106 IOS technologies and applications, and 305 competitive actions involving nine major automakers are collected. Data sources include databases, major trade publications, Web sites, and industry indices. Data analysis includes network analysis, ANOVA test, and correlation.; Empirical results support the general contention that network structure and IOS use coevolve and influence competitive action. Building on these results, a framework characterizing IOS's roles in achieving firm competitiveness is concluded and advanced.; This dissertation broadens our view of IOS's roles in e-business. It contributes to IS/IOS theory, methodology, and practice. First, this study examines IOS-mediated networks in multiple levels, including firm-level, pair-level, and network-level. It provides new theoretical conceptualizations of IOS's roles. Second, this study advances a new IT value measure addressing limitations of the traditional measures. Third, it introduces a novel, useful methodology for data collection. Fourth, results from this study can guide a firm's e-business initiatives for using IOS as powerful tools for achieving firm competitiveness. |
