Magazine Article

Will cross functional information systems work?

Cook, Gail Lynn, Eining, Martha M

1993

Overview

A potential opportunity for accountants and others who want to take a more proactive role in decision making are cross functional information systems. These cross functional systems use the benefits of database technology to allow collaboration among the company's managers, which has become increasingly important in the emerging global business environment. However, shared information systems have not received unanimous acceptance because of concerns about increased intergroup conflict and information overload. To maximize the benefits and minimize the concerns, decisions about sharing an information system must consider both people issues and technological issues. People issues include organization culture, work units, and individual decision makers. Technological issues include information system elements and level of access. Both the advantages and disadvantages of cross functional information systems must be evaluated at the work unit level and at the individual level, given the organization culture. The evaluation process should consider the possible levels of providing access and the combinations of the elements of the information system.

• Publisher: Institute of Management Accountants
• Subject: Advantages / Competition / Cooperation / Corporate culture / Decision making / Decision support systems / Disadvantages / Information overload / Information sharing / Information systems / Manufacturing / Organizational behavior / Specialization / Systems integration / Technology