The Application of the Theory of Reasoned Action to Senior Management and Strategic Information Systems

In recent years MIS research has been concerned with the development and use of information systems to achieve a competitive advantage. One of the many encompassing issues related to this topic is the need to gain the support and commitment for such systems from senior management. Although previous research has discussed some of the difficulties with and reasons for senior management’s reluctance to adopt strategic information systems, there does not appear to be the application of any integrated theory or framework to this problem. In this paper, we discuss an established and well-researched theory, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and we provide a basis for how it can be applied to the acceptance of strategic information systems by senior management. Initially, a general discussion of competitive advantage and strategic information systems is provided as foundation. Next, the Theory of Reasoned Action is discussed in detail. Finally, the theory is applied to senior organizational executives, with an emphasis on a methodology, to uncover some of the underlying reasons for resistance to adopting strategic information systems.Request access from your librarian to read this article's full text.