In Pursuit of Systems Theories for Describing and Analyzing Systems in Organizations

This research essay illustrates how the IS discipline might pursue systems theories with the goal of understanding IS in new ways, generating innovative and useful systems theories, and achieving more impact in the world. It discusses recent articles that compare different perspectives and expectations related to theories and theorizing in the IS discipline. It uses the term domain-specific systems theory (DSST) to accentuate the difference between general systems theory (GST) and specific systems theories. It provides examples illustrating how DSSTs can illuminate important concerns that variance and process perspectives do not address directly. It shows how work system theory (WST) and several of its extensions are DSSTs that provide useful lenses for understanding, analyzing, and theorizing about systems in organizations. It concludes by summarizing ways in which the IS discipline might welcome systems theories more wholeheartedly

Fostering Electricity Access in Cameroon: Impeding Factors and Cost-Effective Model

Abstract Due to irregularities and shortages in electricity generation and distribution, 95% of Cameroon’s population suffers from debilitating effects on national economic security, public health, education, safety, and quality of life. Cameroon needs a sustainable, efficient, and innovative electricity source and policy system. Failure to meet this demand forestalls the much-needed socio-economic and political development of the country. The purpose of the present study was to explore inadequacies of the current hydroelectric supply system in Cameroon, putting into perspective factors that impeded the development of a sustainable electricity supply system, strategies to alleviate these impediments, and the most cost-effective framework that could provide consistent and affordable electricity to Cameroonian communities. The qualitative research utilized von Bertalanffy’s systems theory as the theoretical foundation of a qualitative systems-based approach for the research. Using a structured interview protocol, participants with expert knowledge in energy sustainability, public policy, and cost-effective policy models provided data account of their experience in energy sustainability and cost-effective policy models. Findings indicated that policymakers should take advantage of Cameroon’s vast energy potentials, technological innovations, and a conscientious human resource leadership. If Cameroon’s leadership and public administrators can implement cost-effective strategies for alleviating impediments to electricity access, and create a framework for the most cost-effective power generation, they can clear a path to full electricity access and positive social change through much-needed socioeconomic development of Cameroon.Fosterin

Ministry of Education Management Committee Members’ Perceptions of Shared Organizational Vision

AbstractPersistent challenges in the Nigerian educational system have made education delivery ineffective as students’ performance levels on national examinations have remained low. Students’ average performance has been below 40% on the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) for 7 consecutive years in the region of this research. Stakeholders blamed heads of schools and teachers, yet the Ministry of Education made significant decisions about schools’ inputs. Leaders at the Ministry of Education may need to adopt a shared vision approach to addressing persistent educational challenges. There was no study available to indicate the understanding of educational leaders at this level concerning the shared vision concept. This generic inductive qualitative research explored the understanding of management committee members at a ministry of education about a shared vision and how it could address their persistent education problems. The conceptual framework of shared vision, systems thinking, and shared leadership helped to focus the study while an adapted Walker and Avant concept analysis framework guided data analysis. Interview data collected from 15 members of management were analyzed using themes from the literature. The results indicated that members had a substantial understanding of a shared vision’s attributes but did not show the same level of understanding of some aspects of the antecedents and consequences of a shared vision. There were indications that a shared vision approach could have some positive effects on members’ work. This research contributes to knowledge on educational leadership at the systems level, and may engender a planned change on educational leadership and management in the focus organization and the country