Van Dyke et al. [53] challenged this SERVQUAL metric, identifying “problems
with the reliability, discriminant validity, convergent validity, and predictive validity
of the measure. . . . [F]urther work is needed in the development of measures for
assessing the quality of information services.” Recently, Jiang et al.’s [21] empirical
study among 168 users and 168 IS professionals concluded that the SERVQUAL
measure is a valuable analytical tool for IS managers. The study found high convergent
validity for the reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy of the
SERVQUAL scales and found acceptable levels of reliability and discriminant validity
among the reliability, responsiveness, and empathy scales.
Whereas we agree that the SERVQUAL metric needs continued development and
validation, we nevertheless believe that “service quality,” properly measured, deserves
to be added to “system quality” and “information quality” as components of IS success.
Although a claim could be made that “service quality” is merely a subset of the
model’s “system quality,” the changes in the role of IS over the last decade argue for
a separate variable—the “service quality” dimension.
Of course, each of these quality dimensions will have different weights depending
upon the level of analysis. To measure the success of a single system, “information
quality” or “system quality” may be the most important quality component. For measuring
the overall success of the IS department, as opposed to individual systems,
“service quality” may become the most important variable. Once again, context should
dictate the appropriate specification and application of the D&M IS Success Model