Electronic data interchange: a multi-industry investigation using grounded theory

Interorganizational systems (IOS) based on electronic data interchange (EDI) are being increasingly used. However, trading partners in EDI-based IOS vary in terms of their extent of EDI use. This paper presents a grounded-theory based study of EDI use in four organizations in different industries. The methodology allows the study of EDI use from perspectives of causal conditions, types of EDI use? strategies for encouraging EDI use, consequences of EDI use, and contextual factors. Such a qualitative study facilitates an understanding of how and why different factors impact EDI use. Under-researched issues, such as internal use of EDI, impact of EDI on different types of employees, and use of EDI for collective benefit of multiple organizations are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.