An investigation of information system activities in transnational corporations

Well organized information delivery is an empowering force when making decisions under conditions of complexity and uncertainty. The complexity of decision making is increased when an organization is operating in a global environment. The task of an information system is to help provide the right information, in the right form, to aid this intricate decision making process. The lack of a homogeneous environment, however, influences the management of information systems.; The dissertation presents a Transnational Information System model as a basis for describing the factors affecting the structuring of IS activities in transnational corporations. Three factors which are suggested as being the basis for differences in the organization of IS activities. These factors are organization structure, the characteristics of individual subsidiaries, and the local external environment of the subsidiaries.; The study investigated U.S.-based transnational corporations in the oil and gas industry. These corporations had subsidiaries in various parts of the world. The parent companies, the U.S. subsidiaries, and the non-U.S. subsidiaries were surveyed in an effort to formulate conclusions as to the structuring of IS activities within these corporations.