Process Versus Causal Models
The D&M IS success taxonomy and its six success categories are based on a process
model of IS [43]. In addition, we argue that the six dimensions are interrelated, resulting
in a success model that indicates that causality flows in the same direction as the
information process. However, citing an earlier paper by Newman and Robey [35],
Seddon argues that “the boxes and arrows in variance- and process-model diagrams
represent quite different concepts and cannot be combined meaningfully in one
model. . . . Unfortunately, combining variance and process models is exactly what
[DeLone and McLean have] attempted to do” [40]. Seddon further argues that DeLone
and McLean have “attempted to combine both process and causal explanations of IS
success in their model. After working with this model for some years, it has become
apparent that the inclusion of both variance and process interpretations in their model
leads to so many potentially confusing meanings” [40, p. 240]. Seddon goes on to
propose a respecified variance model of IS success.