Actor-network theory in information systems research

INTRODUCTION. The use of actor-network theory is becoming increasingly common amongst information systems researchers. This study argues that the utility of actor-network theory as a conceptual tool for information systems research can be increased by expressing actor-network theory in a graphical format. To this end, a graphical syntax was designed based on a comprehensive conceptualisation of actor-network theory. METHOD. Design science research was used to produce an artefact (the graphical syntax) which is believed to be of practical use (relevant), innovative and based on a rigorous body of knowledge. ANALYSIS. The graphical syntax is illustrated in this paper only by means of a fictitious example in order to maintain focus on the syntax and the concepts depicted by the syntax. RESULTS. The strengths and weaknesses of the syntax are related to those of actor-network theory itself. The principal strength is the inclusion of heterogeneous actors in the analysis, and the main weakness relates to the vague boundaries of the theory. This weakness is addressed by the ability of the syntax to identify the primary research foci. CONCLUSIONS. It is proposed that actor-network theory can be successfully represented by a graphical syntax and that it can increase the utility of actor-network theory as a conceptual tool for information systems research.http://www.informationr.nethb201

Explanation and trust: what to tell the user in security and AI?

There is a common problem in artificial intelligence (AI) and information security. In AI, an expert system needs to be able to justify and explain a decision to the user. In information security, experts need to be able to explain to the public why a system is secure. In both cases, the goal of explanation is to acquire or maintain the users' trust. In this paper, we investigate the relation between explanation and trust in the context of computing science. This analysis draws on literature study and concept analysis, using elements from system theory as well as actor-network theory. We apply the conceptual framework to both AI and information security, and show the benefit of the framework for both fields by means of examples. The main focus is on expert systems (AI) and electronic voting systems (security). Finally, we discuss consequences of our analysis for ethics in terms of (un)informed consent and dissent, and the associated division of responsibilities

Actor-Network Theory and its role in understanding the implementation of information technology developments in healthcare

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Actor-Network Theory (ANT) is an increasingly influential, but still deeply contested, approach to understand humans and their interactions with inanimate objects. We argue that health services research, and in particular evaluations of complex IT systems in health service organisations, may benefit from being informed by Actor-Network Theory perspectives.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Despite some limitations, an Actor-Network Theory-based approach is conceptually useful in helping to appreciate the complexity of reality (including the complexity of organisations) and the active role of technology in this context. This can prove helpful in understanding how social effects are generated as a result of associations between different actors in a network. Of central importance in this respect is that Actor-Network Theory provides a lens through which to view the role of technology in shaping social processes. Attention to this shaping role can contribute to a more holistic appreciation of the complexity of technology introduction in healthcare settings. It can also prove practically useful in providing a theoretically informed approach to sampling (by drawing on informants that are related to the technology in question) and analysis (by providing a conceptual tool and vocabulary that can form the basis for interpretations). We draw on existing empirical work in this area and our ongoing work investigating the integration of electronic health record systems introduced as part of England's National Programme for Information Technology to illustrate salient points.</p> <p>Summary</p> <p>Actor-Network Theory needs to be used pragmatically with an appreciation of its shortcomings. Our experiences suggest it can be helpful in investigating technology implementations in healthcare settings.</p

Beyond The ERP Implementation Study: A New Approach To The Study Of Packaged Information Systems: The Biography Of Artifacts Framework

Scholarship addressing the social and organizational issues surrounding enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is blossoming. However, many of these studies produce unhelpful readings of the characteristics of ERP and its implications for organizations. The typical ‘ERP implementation case study’ has been given undue emphasis within Information Systems (IS) research. Often influenced by constructivist frameworks and qualitative methodologies, including Actor Network Theory and ethnography, these approaches encourages actor-centered analysis and rich local pictures of the immediate response by organizations to these systems. However we are skeptical that the most useful way to study ERP is solely at the place where the user encounters it. One implication is that important influences from other levels and timeframes are missed from analysis. We propose an alternative research approach - the emerging ‘Biography of Artifacts Framework’ - that takes seriously the multiple locations and different timeframes in which ERP systems operate and evolve

Using Activity Theory Successfully in Healthcare: A Systematic Review of the Theory's Key Challenges to Date

Collaborative tools in organizations become more and more apparent. These tools are being realized by novel information technology. Particularly, healthcare is a fast-evolving industry in terms of information system innovation. As the evolution is fast, and new systems are always error-prone due to socio-technical complexity, new analysis tools and methods for quality assurance must be adapted. In earlier research, we proposed Activity Theory as a fitting analysis tool due to the reason that it has advantages over other HCI theories, such as Actor-Network Theory or Distributed Cognition. However, several limitations became apparent during our studies. In the present work, we are conducting a systematic literature review of activity theoretical limitations and challenges to provide design guidelines for an improved version of Activity Theory. These implications can help to develop more advanced Activity Theory concepts and contributions; which in turn can improve the analysis results of socio-technical systems in healthcare

Using Activity Theory Successfully in Healthcare: A Systematic Review of the Theory\u27s Key Challenges to Date

Collaborative tools in organizations become more and more apparent. These tools are being realized by novel information technology. Particularly, healthcare is a fast-evolving industry in terms of information system innovation. As the evolution is fast, and new systems are always error-prone due to socio-technical complexity, new analysis tools and methods for quality assurance must be adapted. In earlier research, we proposed Activity Theory as a fitting analysis tool due to the reason that it has advantages over other HCI theories, such as Actor-Network Theory or Distributed Cognition. However, several limitations became apparent during our studies. In the present work, we are conducting a systematic literature review of activity theoretical limitations and challenges to provide design guidelines for an improved version of Activity Theory. These implications can help to develop more advanced Activity Theory concepts and contributions; which in turn can improve the analysis results of socio-technical systems in healthcare

BRING-YOUR-OWN-DEVICE (BYOD) IN THE UNIVERSITY SECTOR: AN INTERPRETIVE CASE STUDIES APPROACH (20)

This paper presents initial result of on-going research into Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) in the university sector as a means to discuss an inductive interpretive methods in information systems. It discusses the interpretivist view in information systems qualitative research and why it is chosen as the approach for this research. Explaining the ontological stance and subsequent epistemology, it contrasts positivist study and interpretivism. Multiple case studies are presented from the use of interviews and field observations. Following an iterative grounded process, it presents some interpretation of the interview transcriptions and shows how observation field notes can help support the interpretation towards the emergence of a grounded theory. Finally, the paper discusses interpretative theoretical frameworks: Actor Network Theory (ANT), Sociomateriality and Performativity to explore how such frameworks can be operationalised for on-going data collection and analysis

ICT alternative for primary care delivery in Indonesia : a proposal

This paper proposes a new research program and presents a current analysis of the potential of health information systems (HIS) to improve primary care delivery in rural Indonesia. A new HIS will be implemented to facilitate patient centred primary care and to support the interactions and collaborations between three types of participants including the patient, their doctors and pharmacist in Malang, Indonesia. A tetradic relationship between the new HIS and three participants (patient, doctors, and pharmacist) is examined through the lens of the actor network theory (ANT) with a view to form a new healthcare service delivery model for primary care providers in Indonesia. Based on this model, a network of primary care providers would share the patient medical records (PMR) and provide collaborative care programs to promote healthy life styles, prevent diseases, and to manage chronic disease care more effectively and efficiently.<br /

Apie VTT pritaikymą informacinių sistemų tyrimui: kažkas panašaus į sokratišką dialogą

It is the Lithuanian translation of the article written by Bruno Latour. In this article in the form of a dialogue between professor and doctoral student B. Latour explains the main principles of the Actor-Network-Theory, his approach to structural analysis, reflexivity, agency and social sciences. For the first time, this article was published in 2004 in a book edited by C. Avgerou, C. Ciborra, F. F. Land ‘The Social Study of Information and Communication Technology. Innovation, Actors, and Contexts’ (Oxford University Press). &nbsp;Tai Bruno Latouro straipsnio, kuris parašytas kaip dialogas, „On Using ANT for Studying Information Systems: A (Some­what) Socratic Dialogue“ vertimas. Profesoriaus ir doktoranto dialogo metu atskleidžiamas veikėjo-tinklo-teorijos turinys, išdėstomas B. Latouro požiūris į refeksyvumą, struktūralistinį aiškinimą ir socialinių mokslų paskirtį. Pirmą kartą šį dialogą B. Latouras paskelbė 2004 m. C. Avgerou, C. Ciborra, F. F. Land sudarytoje knygoje&nbsp;The Social Study of Information and Communication Technology. Innovation, Actors, and Contexts(Oxford University Press). &nbsp

Researching big IT in the UK National Health Service:A systematic review of theory-based studies

ObjectiveTo identify and discuss theory-based studies of large-scale health information technology programs in the UK National Health Service.Materials and MethodsUsing the PRISMA systematic review framework, we searched Scopus, PubMed and CINAHL databases from inception to March 2022 for theory-based studies of large-scale health IT implementations. We undertook detailed full-text analyses of papers meeting our inclusion criteria.ResultsForty-six studies were included after assessment for eligibility, of which twenty-five applied theories from the information systems arena (socio-technical approaches, normalization process theory, user acceptance theories, diffusion of innovation), twelve from sociology (structuration theory, actor-network theory, institutional theory), while nine adopted other theories. Most investigated England’s National Program for IT (2002–2011), exploring various technologies among which electronic records predominated. Research themes were categorized into user factors, program factors, process outcomes, clinical impact, technology, and organizational factors. Most research was qualitative, often using a case study strategy with a longitudinal or cross-sectional approach. Data were typically collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis; sampling was generally purposive; and most studies used thematic or related analyses. Theories were generally applied in a superficial or fragmentary manner; and articles frequently lacked detail on how theoretical constructs and relationships aided organization, analysis, and interpretation of data.ConclusionTheory-based studies of large NHS IT programs are relatively uncommon. As large healthcare programs evolve over a long timeframe in complex and dynamic environments, wider adoption of theory-based methods could strengthen the explanatory and predictive utility of research findings across multiple evaluation studies. Our review has confirmed earlier suggestions for theory selection, and we suggest there is scope for more explicit use of such theoretical constructs to strengthen the conceptual foundations of health informatics research. Additionally, the challenges of large national health informatics programs afford wide-ranging opportunities to test, refine, and adapt sociological and information systems theories