Research on Resource-Based Management Information System Competencies and Strategies

Management information system (MIS) is charged with improving the performance of organizations and people through the use of information technology. This paper focuses on resource-based management information system competencies and strategies. First, from a resource-based perspective, MIS resources that are inimitable and valuable can be rent-yielding. MIS resources can be divided into three broad categories-human, technological, and relationship resources. Consistent with the importance of intangible resources, we focus on the intangible dimensions of these three resources. Specifically, our research includes MIS human capital, IT infrastructure flexibility, and MIS partnership quality, and posits that each of these resources will have a direct positive relationship with MIS competencies. Second, competencies are socially complex routines that determine the efficiency with which organizations transform inputs into outputs. MIS competencies are the routines within the MIS department that enable it to deliver IT services to the organization. MIS competencies can be divided into three categories-foundation competencies, management competencies and portfolio competencies. Third, a management information systems strategy is a plan for developing management information systems which maximize the ability of the organization to achieve its agreed objectives. A strategy provides the framework for the organization for ensuring competencies between systems, prioritizes development, and encourages the elimination of redundant systems. MIS strategy has four distinct components: information strategy, information technology strategy, information management strategy, and change management/ implementation strategy.