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Untangling the value of information scope: An investigation in retail pharmacies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2015

Jennifer L Harrison
Jennifer L Harrison*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Business, Southern Cross University – Tweed Gold Coast Campus, Tweed Heads NSW, Australia
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Abstract

This research investigates whether the importance of information scope for decision making mediates the relations between dimensions of strategic orientation, perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) and organisational effectiveness in the retail pharmacy industry. Data from a survey of NSW pharmacies was analysed using structural equation modelling. Although two dimensions of strategic orientation – product-market development and market scope – were positively associated with information scope, the direct organisational benefits and mediating role of broad scope information were disconfirmed and no link between information scope and PEU was found. The results suggest the need for rethinking theoretical models of information scope. Implications for retail pharmacies and organisations interested in the effectiveness of those businesses are discussed.

Keywords

information systemsenvironmental uncertaintystrategic orientationpharmacies
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 15 , Issue 4 , September 2009 , pp. 470 - 485
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2009

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