IS in the cloud and organizational benefits: An exploratory study

Abstract

Several studies state information systems lead to organizational benefits improving organization efficiency and effectiveness. Cloud computing is nowadays an established strategy for adopting IS potentially providing many benefits. Among them IT costs savings are the most evident ones. However, literature remarks that the realisation of organizational benefits depends on contextual organizational factors and requires organizational change. Whether a cloud computing based strategy for IS delivers organizational benefits or just contributes to costs reduction can be disputed. Taking this point of view, the paper presents the results of an exploratory comparative study analysing 23 cases of different enterprises who run a cloud computing strategy. Using fs/QCA as a method of analysis in a multiple cases setting, the research paper explores the organizational benefits following cloud adoption other than cost savings.