Theories that Explain Contradiction: Accounting for the Contradictory Organizational Consequences of Information Technology

The potential of information technologyto transform organizations has been a consistent theme in the management literature since computers were first introduced commercially in the 1950s. Yet, the empirical literature on information technology\u27s role in organizational transformation has been characterized by mixed findings across studies and contradictory results within studies. This paper treats the problem of contradictory findings as an opportmfity to\u27examine several theoretical approaches that deal directly with contradiction. The paper discusses several means to address contradictions that occur among studies and within studies, including the use of alternative theories. Four theoretical approaches with the potential to address contradictions directly are then presented. Considered are political theory, organizational culture, institutional theory, and organizational learning. Each of these theoretical approaches expressly accounts for both organizational persistence and change, and each may be located within the metatheoretical framework of structuration. Although differing in their maturity and precision, these theories may account more satisfactorily for the empirical results observed if employed to guide future research on the organizational consequences of information technology

Identity, Legitimacy and the Dominant Research Paradigm: An Alternative Prescription for the IS Discipline: A Response to Benbasat and Zmud\u27s Call for Returning to the IT Artifact

In this commentary, I respond to Benbasat and Zmud¡¯s (2003) call for a new identity for the IS field. While agreeing with the need for change, I disagree with parts of their portrayal of our new identity and the means for achieving it. I first suggest that identity should be flexible and adaptable rather than inflexible and rigid. A flexible identity can be changed more easily when circumstances require. Second, I caution against promoting our own new identity too vigorously because self-promotion can produce the undesirable image of an insecure field concerned with its reputation. It would be better, in my opinion, to protect past accomplishments while responding to the pragmatic demands of immediate audiences through research that addresses their concerns. Third, we need to heed Benbasat and Zmud¡¯s advice to establish our identity without severing ties with contributing disciplines. Finally, IS should avoid the lure of a dominant paradigm. Despite its potentially galvanizing effect, a dominant paradigm threatens the rich diversity that has characterized IS research since its inception

DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, AND EVALUATION OF LIGHTWEIGHT MATERIALS FOR CUBESAT ARCHITECTURES​

Reductions in size, weight, and power requirements have been continuously sought for space systems. With small satellite technology continuing to leverage the miniaturization of electronics, pushing the boundaries of size and weight is a synergistic effort that enables the development of national capabilities in space. Currently, small satellite technology is often limited by the temperature limits of certain components, such as processors and batteries, and the high costs of placing them in orbit. The effort described herein is the additive manufacturing approach pursued to develop, fabricate, and integrate lightweight materials on a CubeSat. The hypothesis was that commercial filaments could be used to 3D print a radio housing that would have sufficient electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties to replace the original 6061 aluminum alloy. Some of the materials tested included carbon nanotube epoxy composites, carbon fiber reinforced nylon, carbon fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate-glycol, polycaprolactone infused with copper, and combinations of the filaments. Diverse radio housing samples were fabricated, integrated, and tested. Additively manufactured parts resulted in acceptable, RF shielding and mechanical and thermal conductivity values. Additionally, there was an 86% savings for cost and 80% less weight than the original aluminum alloy, proving the potential that other material and manufacturing approaches could have in developing CubeSats.DoD Space , Chantilly, VALieutenant Commander, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

Information Technology, Improvisation and Crisis Response: Review of Literature and Proposal for Theory

Crisis response is generally acknowledged as a crucial aspect of crisis management. Crisis response often requires a need to improvise because the circumstances demand spontaneous innovation that departs from established procedures. Although previous research has acknowledged improvisation as a valuable component of crisis response, it has not provided adequate conceptual understanding of improvisation. Moreover, studies on the role played by information technology (IT) in crisis are inconsistent regarding the ways that IT may support improvised responses. As a result, few recommendations could be formulated to guide practitioners in using IT to respond to crises, thereby wasting crucial resources. This paper proposes a definition of improvisation that emphasizes its relationship to dynamic capabilities and organizational routines. Using this definition, we analyze the literature on crisis management. The results show that IT enables the reuse of existing resources in novel and spontaneous ways but also supports collaboration and leadership expertise

Organizational Transition to Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: Theoretical Choices for Process Research

The number of organizations implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solutions is rapidly increasing. Transition to ERP systems is often combined with a business process reengineering effort and intended to produce radical organizational change. Prior to conducting research on ERP transition, researchers need to become aware of the theoretical choices available to guide their studies. In this paper, three dimensions of process theories used to explain organizational change are identified: form, motor, and theoretical content. Whereas form deals mainly with the amount and frequency of change, motor refers to the mechanisms explaining how and why change unfolds, and theoretical content consists of specific constructs and their interactions that produce change. In order to make complete theoretical choices, researchers should consider all three dimensions of change in the design of their research. The three dimensions are combined in a framework that can guide research on ERP-related organizational transition. 1

Engaged Participant Observation: An Integrative Approach to Qualitative Field Research for Practitioner-Scholars

Abstract Participant observation is an appropriate research method for engaged practitioner-scholars seeking in-depth insights available from qualitative field research. Conventional approaches to participant observation include ethnography and action research. However, conventional approaches were originally developed with the assumption that the roles of practitioner and scholar are separate. We propose a new approach, engaged participant observation, which recognizes the integration of research and practice roles. We illustrate the application of engaged participant observation, and its special demands, through a completed executive doctoral dissertation conducted by second author and supervised by the first author. We address the specific tensions and demands of engaged participant observation, including issues of identity work, potentially biased interpretation, ethical conduct, and publication. Our analysis provides pragmatic guidance for conducting qualitative data collection and analysis in organizations in which the researcher is an engaged participant

An Investigation of User-Led System Design: Rational and Political Perspectives

and organizational factors affecting system implementation (Ives and Olson, in press; RobeyandFarrow, 1982; Fuerstand Cheney, 1982; Lucas 1976).However,littleresearchhas captured the dynamics of user involvement during system development Consequently, we 1mow little about such activities and events as user and designer interaction, top management pressures, political activities, or the role of personnel turnover. To team more about these dynamics, longitudinal research needs to be conducted throughout the system development process. Longitudinal data collection serves two important research objectives: improved measurement validity, and alternative interpretations of events. Events may be described in a more valid manner when data is collected as events occur. This guarantees greater independence of the construct user involvement from the construct system success. In reconstruction studies, respondents\u27 current experience with a system may influence their perceptions of involvement Second, longitudinal study makes it easier to collect alternative interpretations of events in the development process. Activities that are ostensibly undertaken for rational reasons (to deliver a better system) may also serve the political interests of the actors (Robey and Markus, 1984). Longitudinal methods permit respondents\u27 interpretations of these events to be collected as they occur. Thmugh longitudinal research methods, the events of development processes may be described and then interpreted in two ways. One interpretation stresses the rational objectives and methods in development The second interpretation of the same events identifies political themes. These two perspectives coexist and complement one anothe

Information Technology, Materiality, and Organizational Change: A Professional Odyssey

We begin with a retrospective reflection on the first author’s research career, which in large part is devoted to research about the implications of information technology (IT) for organizational change. Although IT has long been associated with organizational change, our historical review of the treatment of technology in organization theory demonstrates how easily the material aspects of organizations can disappear into the backwaters of theory development. This is an unfortunate result since the material characteristics of IT initiatives distinguish them from other organizational change initiatives. Our aim is to restore materiality to studies of IT impact by tracing the reasons for its disappearance and by offering options in which IT’s materiality plays a more central theoretical role. We adopt a socio-technical perspective that differs from a strict sociomaterial perspective insofar as we wish to preserve the ontological distinction between material artifacts and their social context of use. Our analysis proceeds using the concept of “affordance” as a relational concept consistent with the socio-technical perspective. We then propose extensions of organizational routines theory that incorporate material artifacts in the generative system known as routines. These contributions exemplify two of the many challenges inherent in adopting materiality as a new research focus in the study of IT’s organizational impacts

A Summary of the Findings of the Coastal Training Market Analysis

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) is located in Franklin County on the Florida panhandle within the 19,600-square-mile Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint watershed. Spanning more than 246,000 acres, the Reserve includes areas of Franklin, Gulf, Calhoun, and Liberty counties. The Reserve received its designation in 1979, and is a federal/state partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection