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Outsourcing of Information Systems Functions in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: A Test of a Multi-Theoretical Model

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  • Jens Dibbern
  • Armin Heinzl

Abstract

In this paper determinants of information systems (IS) outsourcing are deduced from transaction cost economic theory, resource-based theory and power theory. They are summarized in a theoretical framework which is tested using a sample of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany. The results show that internal performance and know-how deficits vis-à-vis external service providers are key determinants that explain why different IS functions are outsourced to varying degrees in SMEs. Moreover, the determinants of IS functions were found to partially differ between IS functions. Revised reprint of an article from WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK 43(4)2001:339–350. Copyright Gabler Verlag 2009

Suggested Citation

  • Jens Dibbern & Armin Heinzl, 2009. "Outsourcing of Information Systems Functions in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: A Test of a Multi-Theoretical Model," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 1(1), pages 101-110, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:binfse:v:1:y:2009:i:1:p:101-110
    DOI: 10.1007/s12599-008-0008-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Marius Goldberg & Axel Kieninger & Gerhard Satzger & Hansjörg Fromm, 2017. "Retained Organizations in IT Outsourcing," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 59(2), pages 111-124, April.
    2. Elena-Teodora Miron & Anca Alexandra Purcarea & Olivia Doina Negoita, 2018. "Modelling Perceived Risks Associated to the Entry of Complementors’ in Platform Enterprises: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-18, September.
    3. Bertschek, Irene & Niebel, Thomas & Ohnemus, Jörg & Rasel, Fabienne & Saam, Marianne & Schulte, Patrick & Schleife, Katrin & Stiehler, Andreas & Ortwein, Tobias & Heinzl, Armin & Nöhren, Marko, 2014. "Produktivität IT-basierter Dienstleistungen: Wie kann man sie messen und steuern?," ZEW Dokumentationen 14-02, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.

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