ABSTRACT
The observation that interorganizational information integration (III) is a complex phenomenon. However, the chapter provides evidence of the complexity and translate that evidence into a sound and empirically grounded definition of III - one that presents III as a multidimensional phenomenon that can be understood in terms of four formative components. They are social networks, shared information, integrated data, and interoperable technical infrastructure. It is clear that, all four dimensions are highly interdependent. Disentangling these dimensions is necessary to provide researchers and practitioners with a better way to understand each of the components and to focus attention on them. For analytical and practical purposes, the separation of these four elements can lead to improved understanding of their interdependencies and related complexities. For practical purposes, they must be considered collectively and understood as interdependent. The consequences of new understanding of the components themselves and their complex interdependencies are likely to include more informed analysis of and decision making about III.
