2.3. Exchange
Our model proposes that exchange is positively related to
management's cognitive involvement. In an exchange relationship, people are constantly concerned about the inputs, the
outcomes, and the fairness of the exchange and constantly
compare themselves with others in the exchange (Joshi, 1991).
Exchange is considered a rational strategy that relies on
substantive arguments to persuade (Falbe and Yukl, 1992).
When using exchange, the project team explicates what the
team can do in exchange for management's support. Management then compares their gains with obligations owed to the
project team to assess whether the relative gains are positive.
Some examples of obligations may be additional efforts
that management may need to bring to the project, such as
assignment of users to enter data or learn a new system;
example gains include usefulness of the system or increase in
influence. The success of the exchange strategy hinges on the
cognitive process management employs in evaluating their net
gains. Therefore, we expect that:
H5a. Exchange by the project team will be positively related to
management's cognitive involvement.
Finally, we posit that exchange is also likely to be positively
related to the emotional involvement of management. Throughout an IT project, management often needs technical advice
or help from the project team due to management's lack of
technical expertise. Exchange by the project team thus cues
management that the team desires a cooperative relationship
that will maximize gain for both parties. This can induce
“positive feelings about having accomplished a joint task with
another” and permit management to feel confident about mutual gains. Recent research has identified the positive emotional reaction exchange can evoke. We therefore hypothesize: