Input-Kontrollpraktiken und ihre Implikationen für Software Plattform Ökosysteme (OpenEco)
Datenmanagement, datenintensive Systeme, Informatik-Methoden in der Wirtschaftsinformatik
Zusammenfassung der Projektergebnisse
The goal of the research project OpenEco was to examine input control practices applied on digital platform ecosystems (i.e., the screening and approval processes that regulate which complementors and complements are granted access to a digital platform), that are widely used in practice but were largely overlooked in prior research. Given that previous studies on digital platforms have primarily focused on well understood control modes (i.e., behavior, output, self, and clan control) and have only vaguely considered input control, there is a clear need to investigate the nature and effects of input control for digital platform ecosystems. In the first project phase of OpenEco, we developed a validated conceptual definition and measurement scale for input control (the PIC scale) and cross-validated it using field surveys in several different platform contexts (i.e., mobile applications, web-browsers, e-marketplaces, and crowdfunding). In addition, we could examine the effects of a wide range of input control practices on digital platforms on complementors’ beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. Finally, we explored the long-term implications of relaxing input control for platform complementors, end-users and the overall platform ecosystem through a natural experiment occurring at the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. We had the opportunity to exploit a policy change that relaxed the previously stringent screening process for new projects on Kickstarter and that enabled us to examine its effects on complementors, end-users and the entire platform ecosystem. In the second project phase of OpenEco, we conducted follow-up research in three main areas. To deepen our understanding of input control practices and procedures exercised in platform ecosystems, we systematically profiled specific digital platforms and derived different input control regimes based on a multi-case study approach. Additionally, employing a mixedmethods approach, we confirmed and complemented the results from a quantitative study with data from a qualitative study to reveal insights into the mechanisms of input control that cannot be fully understood using only one type of method. Lastly, to extend our previous investigations into the implications of changing input control, we conducted an online experiment on a selfdeveloped crowdfunding platform to systematically manipulate the rigor of input control practices. In addition to our originally planned studies, we conducted two further investigations on the effects of input control based on the shortcomings we identified during the initial project phase. First, we conducted a systematic content analysis of over 6 million posts from platform community forums of four different platforms (i.e., Uber, iOS, Airbnb, and Amazon) to explore consequences of input control mechanisms on digital platforms. Second, we conducted a field survey study on an E-Marketplace platform (i.e., Amazon) to uncover the role of input control fairness and intrinsic motivation in the relationship between input control and complementors’ performance. With OpenEco, we contribute to the Information Systems literature on platform governance by theoretically developing input control as a viable formal mechanism to govern the relationship between platform providers and complementors. Furthermore, we advance research on digital platforms by highlighting that changing input control practices can have far-reaching and profound effects that may unbalance an entire platform ecosystem and fundamentally transform its character. Our project thus contributes to the field of emerging research examining the success and sustainability of digital platform ecosystems.
Projektbezogene Publikationen (Auswahl)
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(2017): “Opening the floodgates - The implications of increasing platform openness in crowdfunding”, Journal of Information Technology (JIT), 32 (4), 344-360
Wessel, M., Thies, F., Benlian, A.
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(2018): “Developing an instrument to measure perceived input control on online platforms from the app developer perspective”, European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS), June 26-28, 2018, Portsmouth, UK
Croitor, E.
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(2018): “Network effects on crowdfunding platforms: Exploring the implications of relaxing input control”, Information Systems Journal (ISJ), 28 (6), 1239-1262
Thies, F., Wessel, M., Benlian, A.
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(2019): “Perceived input control on online platforms from the application developer perspective: conceptualization and scale development”, Journal of Decision Systems (JDS), 28 (1), 19-40
Croitor, E., Benlian, A.
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(2020): “Algorithmic controls and their implications for gig worker well-being and behavior”, International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS), A Virtual Conference
Cram, W.A., Wiener, M., Tarafdar, M., Benlian, A.
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(2020): “IS control and governance”, MIS Quarterly Research Curations
Saunders, C., Benlian, A., Henfridsson, O., Wiener, M.
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(2020): “Perceived input control on digital platforms: a mixed-methods investigation of web-browser platforms”, Journal of Decision Systems (JDS), 30 (1), 47-68
Croitor, E., Adam, M., Benlian, A.
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(2020): “Perceived input control on digital platforms: an empirical investigation”, European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS), June 15-17, 2020, A Virtual Conference
Croitor, E., Adam, M.
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(2020): “Technology-mediated control legitimacy in the gig economy: Conceptualization and nomological network”, R. Hirschheim, A. Heinzl and J. Dibbern (eds.): Information Systems Outsourcing: The Era of Digital Transformation, Springer, 387-410
Wiener, M., Cram, W.A., Benlian, A.
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(2021): “The effects of control mechanisms on complementors’ behavioral intentions: an empirical study of reward-based crowdfunding platforms”, Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS), A Virtual Conference
Croitor, E., Werner, D., Benlian, A.
