Key issues in information systems management

The study discussed here compares and contrasts the findings of recent Information Systems (IS) management studies in Australia, Europe, Singapore and the United States. It examines the key concerns of IS executives in these areas, focusing on identifying and explaining regional similarities and differences. IS executives in Australia, Europe, and the U.S. show a reasonable level of agreement on the most critical issues they face. They take a mid- to long-range perspective on their function and are very concerned with planning and managing external relationships. Singaporean managers perceive that their problems are different and several explanations are put forward for understanding this difference. IS executives in multinational firms who are aware of regional differences should be able to manage the IS function more effectively. At a minimum, IS executives must be cognizant of the varying perspectives inherent in a global economy.