The Effect of National Culture on IS

The objectives of this article are 1) to make a comparative analysis of previous international and cross-cultural studies, 2) to incorporate the variables specific to cultural environments into a general framework of information systems, and 3) to examine the implications of the findings for global information systems research and implementation. One result is a list of national cultural variables affecting information systems. These variables are classified into three main groups—economic, demographic and socio-psychological. These three groups are integrated into existing frameworks of IS research. The variables were further classified into “constants” and “changeables.” This classification identifies those variables which can be adapted by the execution of national and organizational IS policies. Another result is a compilation of findings from cross-cultural and non-US research into IS. This research is characterized on two dimensions so as to facilitate classification and integration of research findings. The study indicates a need for considerable research effort in the field of international information systems to facilitate IS technology transfer, for constructing indigenous IS, and for formulating national IS policies.Request access from your librarian to read this article's full text.