Uncovering the antecedents to the effective use of business intelligence: lessons from a qualitative systematic review approach

Abstract

Purpose

This study focuses on case studies to identify the antecedents to the effective use of business intelligence (BI). For decades, research has shown that post-adoption behaviour has a critical role in the success of technology adoption. Efforts have been drawn beyond intention and adoption point to the effective use of technology. In the case of BI adoption, its nature of discretional use adds complexity to the equation. Despite the statistical evidence provided, research has indicated the need for other approaches to shed light on the antecedents of BI’s effective use.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a systematic review approach to synthesise 20 years of related works from three major research databases. It focuses on qualitative and mixed-method research to identify new avenues in the related topic.

Findings

The findings provide the taxonomy of the antecedents. It identifies 40 antecedents grouped into 8 categories: technology, operational support, resources, governance, strategic, individual behaviour, environment and culture. It also highlights several organisation-specific and individual-specific antecedents, such as analytic leadership, business vision, collaborative working culture, organisational learning culture and user trust.

Originality/value

The study provides insight from interpretative case studies. It leverages the relevance of BI’s research to its practices. It offers new avenues in the BI post-adoption studies at the organisational and the individual level of analysis.