The stages of evolution of information systems functions: Findings in the Bahrain environment

An evaluation and comparison, using Nolan´s stage model, is made of the organizational IS (information system) functions in selected business organizations in the environment of a developing country, namely, Bahrain. A linear framework was developed by combining selected features of five benchmark variables. The empirical study validated certain aspects of the stage model. The research also showed that Nolan´s growth model was applicable, with certain contingency adjustments, in the environment of a developing country. The sample firms were primarily distributed between growth stages 2 and 4. The findings also demonstrated that IS growth stage and its performances were primarily determined by the policy and strategy of top management in supporting the IS functions, and, to a lesser extent, by the length of experience in IS usage