The Information System Strategies of MNC Affiliates: A Technology-Organization-Environment Analysis

Abstract

This article applies a technology-organization-environment framework to evaluate the determinants of the global information systems (GIS) strategies of foreign affiliates. The results indicate that IT maturity, parent resource dependency, cultural distance, restrictive regulations, and local competition are significant determinants of GIS strategy. We also find that the integration-responsiveness model can be applied to explain GIS strategies and their implementation. These findings provide additional insight into the complex relationship between headquarters and affiliates in GIS management. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for both research and practice.