Diffusion of executive information systems in organizations and the shift to Web technologies

Abstract

Executive information systems (EIS) have certain unique characteristics that differentiate them from other information systems in both their development and diffusion patterns. This paper utilizes 11 case studies to assess the diffusion of EIS in organizations. The paper examines the critical aspects of EISs in these organizations and specifically attempts to achieve two goals: to analyze and compare the shape of the EIS diffusion curves among these organizations, thereby generating a list of factors that have a bearing on the pattern of diffusion and to advance the conceptual model and composition of the emerging Web‐based EIS. The findings clearly indicate that the traditional EIS has given way to Web‐based resources and the diffusion of EIS does indeed vary from the traditional S‐shaped curve, consistent with most information technology applications. The significance of this study is that it captures the transition of traditional EISs to the new Web‐based information systems that cater to the demands of a highly diversified audience. The paper also presents a quantitative argument, including diffusion models, which explain the EIS adoption in an organization. Finally, the case studies provide some unique insights into the issues relating to these types of systems.