Losing [IT] Control to Gain It: Exploring Organizational Linkages of Social Media Technology

ABSTRACT

Affiliates of parent companies seeking localized control of their social message may adopt easily available social media platforms beyond the control of the parent IT function. A revelatory case identifies several IT control points by which the parent can still exert control over the affiliate. These controls separate the affiliate’s digital identity from the parent resulting in the perception of increased autonomy yet shifting the conception of control to a social form of self-regulation.

KEYWORDS:

• IT Governance
• multi-national companies
• organizational control
• parent–affiliate relationships
• social media platform

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nelson King

Nelson King is an Associate Professor at Khalifa University. His research interests are in networked information systems for inter-organizational collaboration. He obtained his PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California. Before joining academia, he spent over 20 years as a systems engineer. He has published in journals such as MIS Quarterly, European Journal of Information Systems, Communications of the Association for Information Systems, E-Service Journal, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, and International Journal of Organizational Design and Engineering. He serves as associate editor for Health Systems and Information Systems Management.

Leila Khauli

Leila Khauli is a full-time Lecturer at the Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut since the year 2000. She holds a Masters of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and Econometrics from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. Her research interest lies in how brands are adopting digital strategies in the region. She is also a Communication Consultant and has worked with local and regional brands specializing in brand strategy. She conducts workshops and lectures on digital branding and developing SM presence for local and regional brands.