Matt Campbell

What a Difference a Year Makes: Time Lag Effect of Information Technology Investment on Firm Performance

How long does it take for a firm to realize the performance benefits of its IT investment? This article explores the time lag effects of IT investment on firm performance. Using longitudinal data of 1421 firm-time observations over a period of six years (1991–1996) as the initial time point of IT investment, we examined time lag effect on firm performance in a five-year time window. The performance data for the sample spans 12 years, from 1989 to 2000. The results demonstrate a strong support for time lag effects on the relationship between IT investment and firm performance. Specifically, our study found that it took an average of approximately three to four years after the year of investment for the firms in our sample to realize the greatest performance benefits. The findings offer useful implications for researchers and managers to better understand the link between IT and firm performance so that they can make wiser decisions to maximize the business value of their investments.

The impact of attitudinal factors on intention to report workplace Internet abuse

ABSTRACT Why do employees actually report workplace Internet abuse? The prevailing theory is that employees make deliberate, calculated decisions only after weighing the pros and cons of reporting. This research proposes a behavioral model in which attitudinal factors are largely responsible for shaping employee intentions to report workplace Internet abuse. Theories of idealism, perceived organizational risk, social influence, and managerial position are synthesized to better understand workers’ motivations. A survey 315 American workers tested the proposed hypotheses and research model using structural equation modeling. Results confirm the validity of the proposed model. Each of the attitudinal factors had a significant impact on employee willingness to report Internet violations. This study underscores the importance of attitudinal factors in a space that primarily portrays employees as rational, unemotional actors.