FUTURE RESEARCH
The investigation of information technology as a structural variable is a relatively new one.
Much work needs to be done in the IT and strategy fields in order to test a robust model of strategy
– IT systems – performance. The purpose of this paper was to propose a theoretical approach that
allows complete IT systems to be used in an investigation of the relationship of information
technology and strategic choice, rather than single component constructs.
The next logical phase would be to test empirically the propositions proposed. However, no
framework, taxonomy, or typology currently exists that easily allows for a measurable IT
construct. Thus, future work in this area must first consist of creating such a classification scheme.
If a classification structure were to prove feasible, the next step would be to test the entire
strategy – IT systems – performance model. Williamson (1975) proposes that the strategy a firm
adopts (i.e., diversification, vertical integration) will not result in high performance unless the firm
embraces structures that optimize the transaction costs associated with that strategy. Strategy and
IT literature have indicated that IT systems and the information and use of information are
important structural variables (Davis, 1991; Dyer, 1997; Fiedler, Grover, & Teng, 1996). This
study, provided a comprehensive typology is available, would allow more encompassing studies
that are based on an IT construct than can currently be conducted.