Efficient boundaries of organizational decision support systems: a transaction cost model of decision support regimes

A transaction cost-based model is presented as a framework for analysis of organizational roles of information systems and, in particular, organizational decision support systems (ODSSs). Information exchange creates interdependencies which can be exploited to one organization´s benefit and to another´s detriment. The heuristic model of exchange provides guidance for the evaluation of these dependencies. Two factors are considered/spl minus/the asset´s substitutability and the number of exchange partners. Exchanges are examined within an organizational learning model to produce a configuration of coordinating, collaborating, and communicating systems (C/sup 4/S), rather than hierarchical or contingent relationships between systems.<>