An Investigation of Equity as a Determinant of User Information Satisfaction

This paper reviews equity theory and proposes that perceived inequity in the allocation of management information systems (MIS) resources is likely to influence overall user information satisfaction (UIS). Therefore, in addition to currently identified factors such as quality of information products (QIP), user's knowledge and involvement level (KIL), and EDP staff and services (ESS), equity is also likely to be a relevant factor in determining overall UIS. The paper reports on a cross-sectional survey to obtain data for testing the relevance of equity related issues in the MIS context. Responses from 226 users showed a strong correlation (.67, p > .001) between equity and overall UIS. Further, the addition of equity to the previously identified factors that influence overall UIS (i.e., QIP, KIL, and ESS) significantly increased the explained variance (from .48 to .56). The results support the relevance of equity related issues in determining user attitudes. It is recommended that MIS researchers and professionals take into account the likely influence of equity perceptions on user attitudes and behavior, and strive to develop and implement equitable resource allocation mechanisms. Implications of the findings for future research in the areas of MIS, UIS construct, systems implementation, and management of MIS are also discussed.

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