What are you looking for today?

Lu, Qin, Damij, Nadja and Whalley, Jason (2026) Applying agency theory in a complicated context: a Cynefin-guided framework for cloud contracting. Journal of the Operational Research Society. ISSN 0160-5682

Document

  • [thumbnail of Applying agency theory in a complicated context  a Cynefin-guided framework for cloud contracting.pdf]
    Applying agency theory in a complicated context a Cynefin-guided framework for cloud contracting.pdf - Published Version
    Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Abstract

Abstract

A cloud contract can be an effective tool for managing uncertainty in cloud computing
adoption. To make informed choices when selecting the right cloud contract type, it is crucial
to consider the impact of uncertainty factors. However, there is a lack of comprehensive
knowledge regarding how uncertainty influences cloud contract decisions. This study aims
to address this knowledge gap, combining the Cynefin framework to sense, analyse, and
respond to the context with agency theory to analyse the relationship between uncertainty
and decision-making in cloud contract types. This research explores four key uncertainty factors
and their impact on cloud contract decisions. The quantitative research reveals that
investments in information systems and the length of agency relationships positively affect
outcome-based cloud contracts but negatively impact behaviour-based cloud contracts. In
contrast, task programmability has the opposite effect, impacting these contract types differently.
The influence of outcome measurability on cloud contracts appears to be insignificant.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Uncertainty, Cynefin, cloud contract, decision-making
Depositing User: Nadja Damij
URI: https://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/20274

Further Details

More Information

Uncontrolled Keywords
Uncertainty, Cynefin, cloud contract, decision-making
Depositing User

Identifiers

Item ID
20274
Identification Number
ISSN
0160-5682

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for Nadja Damij

Catalogue record

Date Deposited
02 Jun 2026 10:49
Last Modified
02 Jun 2026 10:49

Contributors

Author
Author
Qin Lu
Author
Jason Whalley

University Divisions

Subjects

Actions (login required)

View Item (Repository Staff Only)

Downloads per month over past year