User participation in MIS implimentation is the subject of this research. In a general sense, user participation is one way to foster management scientists' appreciation, involvement in, and understanding of MIS development. In spite of the theoretical advantages of user participation, relatively little research has been done on its social dynamics. Although some studies have shown positive correlations between participation and various measures of system success, less is understood about the causes of this phenomena. In addition few empirical studies have clearly demonstrated a relationship between user participation and three key indicators of system success: system usage, user attitude toward the EDP staff, and user information satisfaction.
Thus, this research examines the cause of previous studies' inconsistent results, and investigates how user participation fosters an appreciation and mutual understanding by considering the characteristics and stage of development. Twelve hypotheses are assigned to the above objectives. Theses are empirically tested using correlational analysis, multiple regression analysis, and the T-test.
Data for the tests were collected by 66 projects from 37 firms including manufacturing companies, construction companies, banks, engeneering companies, insurance companies, security companies, and trading companies selected through a purposive sampling method. The results of data analysis indicate that the previous inconsistencies come from overlooking the system characteristics, and that different user participation levels are appropriate for different stages of MIS development, and user attitude and the relationship between user and the EDP staff influence the success of MIS implementation.
These findings suggest that the MIS project manager can controls the projects differently by considering the system characteristics and the development stage. Further research with larger sample size including diverse industries and with an improved theoretical background and methodology are needed to support the conclusions of this study.
