The perception of effectiveness of merged information services organizations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the perceptions of chief information officers and academic deans with respect to the effectiveness of merged information services organizations (MISOs) at liberal arts colleges.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is descriptive exploratory survey research. A survey of chief information officers (CIOs) and academic deans of liberal arts colleges with merged information services organizations was undertaken. In addition to a general assessment of the MISO, a taxonomy of expected benefits was developed from the literature. Respondents provided information on both the general effectiveness of the MISO and its delivery of the expected benefits. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected.

Findings

The paper finds that both CIOs and academic deans had a favorable impression of the MISO and believed it was effective in providing support and delivering expected benefits. Concerns were raised that the MISO organization requires staff development time and can contribute to a loss of focus among constituent units.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to Carnegie bachelor's level institutions with a MISO.

Practical implications

MISOs are effective in providing support and the expected benefits. Institutions implementing or considering the MISO model should be aware of possible problem areas (staff development and loss of unit focus) and plan to address them appropriately.

Originality/value

The study identified areas of concern among both CIOs and deans with the implementation of a MISO. Information services units' leadership as well as institutional administration should consider these findings when considering or implementing a MISO.

Citation

Stemmer, J.K. (2007), "The perception of effectiveness of merged information services organizations", Reference Services Review, Vol. 35 No. 3, pp. 344-359. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320710774238