DSS THEORY - A MODEL OF CONSTRUCTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

A theoretical framework for DSS research is developed in terms of the key elements of theory: domain boundaries, constructs, and relationshi ps among constructs. Eight broad DSS constructs (environment, task, im plementation strategy, DSS capability, DSS configuration, user, user b ehaviour, and performance) are identified. Based on a review of the li terature, 17 relationships among these constructs are examined. The mo st frequently studied relationships in the model are the influences of : (1) DSS capabilities on user behaviour; (2) user behaviour on perfor mance; and (3) DSS capabilities on performance. Studies regarding thes e relationships use a wide variety of measures and present generally d ivergent results. Although studied less frequently, fairly consistent relationships were observed, suggesting: (1) the strategy used for DSS implementation influences both user behaviour and DSS performance; an d (2) environmental factors such as top management support and user tr aining influence DSS performance. Conclusions include: (1) there has b een some progress toward understanding DSS based on the accumulation o f research to date; (2) past research has examined less than half of t he possible relationships among constructs, creating opportunities for new insights; and (3) divergent results on key pairs of constructs ma y result from interaction with other constructs, necessitating the sim ultaneous examination of fuller DSS research models to understand the contingencies influencing these relationships.(2)