Effective Management of End-user Computing: A Total Organization Perspective

A two-cell model of EUC management effectiveness that synthesizes selected MIS and innovation management literature is developed and an exploratory investigation of the validity of the primary assumptions of this model is described.

Abstract

:Using the constructs of strategy, structure, and performance from organizational theory, the authors provide a framework for critically reviewing the previous research on end-user computing (EUC) management from a total organization perspective. While the growth of EUC and the need for its effective management have been well documented, our knowledge about what Eve management infrastructure is most effective for a given organization at a given point in time is incomplete and without a common theoretical basis.Adopting the assumption that EUC is an organizational innovation, the authors develop a two-cell model of EUC management effectiveness that synthesizes selected MIS and innovation management literature. An exploratory investigation of the validity of the primary assumptions of this model is described. Interview data from IS managers in five organizations are presented as mini-cases. A revised model of EUC management effectiveness, which incorporates both the findings from this field study and previous “conflicting” EUC literature, is then proposed for further research.