Title: Cultural perspectives on ERP implementation in Jordan: a comparison between public and private sectors

Authors: Ahmad A. Rabaa'i; Enas AlJamal

Addresses: Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Kuwait (AUK), Safat, Kuwait ' Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Kuwait (AUK), Safat, Kuwait

Abstract: Like many other developing countries, Jordan is adopting enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in both its public and private sectors. Jordan's emerging private sector has historically close ties to the public sector, though a global market orientation requires a shift in its organisational culture. ERPs however embed business processes which do not necessarily fit with traditional cultural practices, and implementation success is not assured. This study looks at the perceptions of both public and private sector ERP implementations in Jordan and assesses these on various measures of success. There were few differences between public and private sectors, but the benefits actually realised in Jordanian ERPs fell short of claims made for the technology in other cultures. Considerable customisation was required in both sectors, and the traditional style of management in Jordan did not fit well with the requirements for successful implementation. This is consistent with recent studies from various countries that show cultural fit is a particularly neglected factor in assessing ERP success.

Keywords: CSFs; critical success factors; enterprise resource planning; ERP systems; ERP implementation; culture; Jordan; cultural perspectives; public sector; private sector.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIM.2015.072545

International Journal of Intercultural Information Management, 2015 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.83 - 102

Received: 28 May 2015
Accepted: 26 Aug 2015
Published online: 18 Oct 2015 *

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