A Multi-Case Study Approach of Interorganizational Information Systems Advantages in the Tunisian Automotive Components Supply Chain

Abstract

A great deal of controversy exists about the impact of Information technology on the global performance within the supply chain. Many theoretical explanations could be advanced to cover this issue. The present paper discusses this problematic and proposes that the climate of the interorganizational relationships could moderate the advantages of Interorganizational Information systems within the Supply Chain. The propositions of the study are tested in the automotive components supply chain in the Tunisian context. The methodology adopted is the multi-case study approach within four companies. Results confirm the moderation effect of the climate of IORs on the success of IOS. More precisely, the attributes; interorganizational dependence and interorganizational commitment presented remarkable effects on the performance of the automotive components supply chain. Moreover, the findings generated four configurations based on the dimensions of IOS impact and IORs climate.

Key words: IOS advantages; IORs climate; Supply chain performance; Case studies; Configurations