Meta‐standardization as a remedy for tensions and complexities: The case of medical service lists in Vietnam. Issue 2 (21st February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Thanh; Pham, Thanh Chi; Santos, Emanuel; Son, Ha Thai
• Is Part Of: Electronic journal on information systems in developing countries. Volume 84:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-02-21
• Subjects: health care -- information infrastructure -- meta‐standardization -- standard; Management information systems -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Economic aspects -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Social aspects -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; High technology industries -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions; Economic history; High technology industries; Information technology -- Economic aspects; Information technology -- Social aspects; Management information systems; Developing countries; Periodicals; 658.4
• DOI: 10.1002/isd2.12017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1681-4835

Abstract

Abstract: Standards are vital components in building large‐scale and complex information systems, but not all standards are well functioning. Therefore, standardization, the process that produces standards, plays a crucial role in creating good standards. This paper contributes to standardization literature by presenting a case study involving negotiation and development of a standardized medical service list through mapping separated existing standards. In our conceptualization, meta‐standardization is not a project but should be perceived as an open‐ended learning process where no individual or institutions are omnipotent to foresee all the dynamics and offer a universal working solution at the first attempt. This process was part of a larger attempt to build a national electronic insurance claim system in Vietnam. We propose the concept of meta‐standardization to understand the 3 aspects of that process: convergence/differentiation, learning, and multilevel. Practical implications include the following strategies for resolving tensions and complexities: building upon what exists, organizing a learning process, and automating the standardization.