The role of relational norms in linking inter-partner learning and IT co-sourcing performance: A study of Taiwan enterprises
Information Technology & People
ISSN: 0959-3845
Article publication date: 14 May 2019
Issue publication date: 14 January 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedent factors that foster and sustain the development of relational norms from a social exchange process perspective and articulates the mediating effect of relational norms on the relationship between inter-partner learning (IL) and IT co-sourcing performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 197 usable questionnaires were returned from 1,000 Taiwan enterprises. Results from a partial least squares method supported the hypothesis that relational norms serve as dependent variable (to IL) and independent (mediating) variable (to IT co-sourcing performance).
Findings
The empirical results show that IL positively effects partnership identity and collaboration, while both significantly mediate the effects of IL on IT co-sourcing performance.
Research limitations/implications
The research implications confirm that the relational norms which IT co-sourcing parties must include both attitudes and behavior simultaneously, and that IT co-sourcing will not produce good performance without both parties developing shared attitudes and collaborative behavior.
Practical implications
Relational norms can play a critical mediation role to help ensure that both parties reach their common goals successfully and prevent the risk of their effort to cooperate together falling apart. Therefore, project managers have to take account of the importance of relational norms on inter-organizational cooperation or strategic alliances.
Originality/value
This study creates opportunities for further cross-disciplinary studies of inter-firm co-sourcing project especially with regard to relational norms and knowledge sharing.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Dr Andrew Polaszek (Natural History Museum) for suggestions on a final draft of this paper. In addition, this paper was also greatly improved by the anonymous reviewers for their comments and suggestions.
Citation
Hsu, S.-M., Chou, T.-C., Lee, G.-G. and Kuo, R.Z. (2020), "The role of relational norms in linking inter-partner learning and IT co-sourcing performance: A study of Taiwan enterprises", Information Technology & People, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 230-250. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-04-2018-0176
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited