IS/IT outsourcing practices in the public health sector of Kuwait: a contingency approach

Abstract

Presents first an overview of a case study exploring the information systems/information technology (IS/IT) outsourcing phenomenon in the public sector of Kuwait where the data collection for this study was carried out. The primary data on IS/IT outsourcing practices were collected by means of survey questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews supported by organisational documentation. Several public sector institutions, including the Ministry of Public Health, participated in the investigation. Second, this paper seeks to develop a conceptual contingency model for the successful implementation of IS/IT outsourcing arrangements in the context of Kuwait. The model addresses many interacting variables, from national culture and social factors through contractual issues. Argues that it is necessary to take account of all these variables to ensure successful implementation of IS/IT outsourcing arrangements. The study findings suggest that there will be an increasing utilisation of IS/IT outsourcing services in the public sector of Kuwait, particularly at its main component, the public health care sector.