Accounting for the Contradictory Organizational Consequences of Information Technology: Theoretical Directions and Methodological Implications.

Author List: Robey, Daniel; Boudreau, Marie-Claude;
Information Systems Research, 1999, Volume 10, Issue 2, Page 167-185.
Although much contemporary thought considers advanced information technologies as either determinants or enablers of radical organizational change, empirical studies have revealed inconsistent findings to support the deterministic logic implicit in such arguments. This paper reviews the contradictory empirical findings both across studies and within studies, and proposes the use of theories employing a logic of opposition to study the organizational consequences of information technology. In contrast to a logic of determination, a logic of opposition explains organizational change by identifying forces both promoting change and impeding change. Four specific theories are considered: organizational politics, organizational culture, institutional theory, and organizational learning. Each theory is briefly described to illustrate its usefulness to the problem of explaining information technology's role in organizational change. Four methodological implications of using these theories are also discussed: empirical identification of opposing forces, statement of opposing hypotheses, process research, and employing multiple interpretations.
Keywords: Impacts of Technology; Organization Theory; Organizational Transformation; Research Methodology
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#35 0.274 technology organizational information organizations organization new work perspective innovation processes used technological understanding technologies transformation consequences perspectives use administrative economic
#32 0.123 research studies issues researchers scientific methodological article conducting conduct advanced rigor researcher methodology practitioner issue relevance findings validation papers published
#110 0.123 theory theories theoretical paper new understanding work practical explain empirical contribution phenomenon literature second implications different building based insights need
#147 0.100 process problem method technique experts using formation identification implicit analysis common proactive input improvements identify traditional stages identifying explicit setting
#100 0.076 affective concepts role questions game gaming production games logic play shaping frames future network natural processes evidence addresses reference theorizing
#24 0.069 institutional pressures logic theory normative embedded context incumbent contexts forces inertia institutionalized environment pressure identify mimetic dominant coupling board newly
#293 0.065 values culture relationship paper proposes mixed responsiveness revealed specific considers deployment results fragmentation simultaneously challenges explain attribute building indicated obtain
#185 0.063 change organizational implementation case study changes management organizations technology organization analysis successful success equilibrium radical efforts initiatives managing resistance individuals