A RHETORICAL APPROACH TO IT DIFFUSION: RECONCEPTUALIZING THE IDEOLOGY-FRAMING RELATIONSHIP IN COMPUTERIZATION MOVEMENTS.

Author List: Michael, Barrett; Heracleous, Loizos; Walsham, Geoff;
MIS Quarterly, 2013, Volume 37, Issue 1, Page 201-220.
In this paper we propose rhetoric as a valuable yet underdeveloped alternative paradigm for examining IT diffusion. Building on recent developments of computerization movements theory, our rhetorical approach proposes that two central elements of the theory, framing and ideology, rather than being treated as separate can be usefully integrated. We suggest that IT diffusion can be usefully explored through examining the interrelationship of the deep structures underlying ideology and the type and sequence of rhetorical claims underpinning actors' framing strategies. Our theoretical developments also allow us to better understand competing discourses influencing the diffusion process. These discourses reflect the ideologies and shape the framing strategies of actors in the broader field context. We illuminate our theoretical approach by drawing on the history of the diffusion of free and open source software.
Keywords: Computerization movements; diffusion; discourse; free software; ideology; open source
Algorithm:

List of Topics

#54 0.337 approach conditions organizational actions emergence dynamics traditional theoretical emergent consequences developments case suggest make organization point outcomes recent trajectory claims
#49 0.114 adoption diffusion technology adopters innovation adopt process information potential innovations influence new characteristics early adopting set compatibility time initial current
#163 0.108 critical realism theory case study context affordances activity causal key identifies evolutionary history generative paper events lead mechanisms evolution change
#180 0.093 multiple elements process environments complex integrated interdependencies design different developing integration order approach dialogue framework capabilities settings building focus distinct
#273 0.086 source open software oss development developers projects developer proprietary community success openness impact paper project associated activity phenomenon peripheral variety
#10 0.069 strategies strategy based effort paper different findings approach suggest useful choice specific attributes explain effective affect employ particular online control
#21 0.061 research information systems science field discipline researchers principles practice core methods area reference relevance conclude set focus propose perspective inquiry
#293 0.055 values culture relationship paper proposes mixed responsiveness revealed specific considers deployment results fragmentation simultaneously challenges explain attribute building indicated obtain