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Theoretical perspectives on the outsourcing of information systems

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Journal of Information Technology

Abstract

Critics have argued that the field of information systems (IS) lacks a coherent theoretical framework. This paper attempts to further the theoretical development of a critical and pervasive contemporary phenomenon, outsourcing of IS functions, by synthesizing four theoretical models (resource-based theory, resource-dependence theory, transaction cost theory and agency theory) that are useful for understanding determinants of a firm's outsourcing strategy. From these theoretical models, a contingency model of outsourcing is developed which can be used to direct empirical research.

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Correspondence to Varun Grover.

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Cheon, M., Grover, V. & Teng, J. Theoretical perspectives on the outsourcing of information systems. J Inf Technol 10, 209–219 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.1995.25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.1995.25

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