For example, they may use buffering (e.g., extra inventory)
to reduce the effects of uncertainty or they may try to increase
their information processing capabilities through structural
mechanisms (e.g., lateral relations) and other efforts to improve
information flow. In the model, these organizational capabilities
are represented by the following variables:
• Structure — structural arrangements to help enhance
the organization's capabilities to process information:
Puranam, Raveendran and Knudsen [40] argue that
organization design can directly influence how subgroups
(units, divisions, departments) process information and
develop new knowledge;
• Decision-making style — the degree to which management's
decision making style affects information
flow by making full use of two-way lateral and vertical
communications (Collaborative styles) or by relying
mostly on one-way vertical communications (Command
and Control styles).
Research on collaborative decision making has confirmed its
potential positive impact on organizational performance, provided
information and communication technologies can facilitate
the organization’s capability to process complex and dynamic
information flows [1]. It is also evident from recent IS research
[33] that a collaborative decision making style helps to promote
a climate where employees increase usage of IS and engage in
exploring its new features.
Systems Variables
The model proposes that the organizational information
processing requirements and capabilities discussed above will
affect a key system variable: the system design.
According to the management control literature, the uses
for which the SMPS are designed may have a significant influence
in their outcomes [11], and Mouritsen [35] has pointed
out that the ability of management control systems to support
change is influenced by system design. Ittner and Larcker
[22] argued that SPMS research should examine the decision
purposes for which a SPMS is designed, in order to allow appropriate
interpretation of the outcomes of the use of performance
measures, given that they might be appropriate for some
purposes but not for others. As noted by Bento and White [6, p.
7], “a distinctive characteristic of SPMS implemented in the last
two decades is an attempt to choose tailored performance measures
that translate a particular organizational strategy into
an integrated set of performance indicators. Thus, this set of
measurements contributes to change management by fulfilling
many purposes: not only to direct managerial action to the
achievement of new strategic objectives, but also to provide
feedback to managers, through a dynamic learning process, about
the potential need for new strategy formulation.” The survey
respondents were asked about 12 potential SPMS design purposes,
including uses such as evaluating individual and business unit
performance, making decisions regarding capital allocation
or technology acquisition, and communicating directives or
strategy. The SPMS design purposes that were studied here
cover all four decision contexts recommended by Ittner and
Larcker [22]: cost determination (e.g., measurement of business
results); information for planning and control (e.g., evaluation