Co-operation in the Field of Information Systems

Research on information systems rests to a large extent on a tradition that is characterized by a ‘competition’ paradigm. In this article a paradigm of ‘co-operation’ is put forward on the basis of earlier research in other than information systems research areas. Practical examples from current practice of information systems management and development are drawn. The article puts on a taxonomy for categorizing co-operative efforts. The taxonomy is based on six generalizable determinants of relationship formation as presented by Christine Oliver in the article ‘Determinants of Interorganizational Relationships: Integration and Future Directions’ and on the framework of transaction costs as presented by Oliver E. Williamson.