Context matters: Towards a concept of the organizational information environment

One of the core assumptions of social and organizational informatics (SI/OI) is that “context matters.” However, despite its importance in SI/OI, the composition of this context is largely unexamined. For the purposes of research and theorizing, how are we to think about the social context within which information and communication technologies (ICTs) are designed, developed, implemented, and used? This paper is a brief attempt to unpack this concept and decompose it into its constituent elements. This paper presents an outline of a structurational framework that recasts the context as an “organizational information environment” (OIE), clarifying a base from which the social implications of the assumption that context matters in ICT design and use may be explored

Algorithmic neutrality, algorithmic assemblages, and the lifeworld

The paper explores the role of algorithms in the constitution of the social world. Concepts drawn from the perspectives of social phenomenology and information systems are used to argue that algorithms are sociomaterial constructions that, as part of algorithmic assemblages, have become embedded in the lifeworld of people who routinely use digital devices in their online lives. The paper argues that as these assemblages become more deeply embedded in the social fabric, there is pressing need for critical analysis because of the power and information asymmetries that are uncovered when considering the roles of the complex organizations that control the algorithmic assemblages that increasingly shape people’s digital lives

Revising the Conceptualization of Computerization Movements

One interesting problem arising from Kling and Iacono’s pioneering work on computerization movements (CMs) is the question of empirically determining a movement’s success or failure. This paper questions the question and argues that it is based on two assumptions that upon closer examination seem problematic. The first is that Kling and Iaconco’s concept of a CM is sufficient to cover the range of CMs. Their approach to CMs is explicated, pointing out three ways in which it is limited, concluding that it should be reconceptualized. The second is that CMs are similar enough so that a single set of criteria is sufficient to judge the success or failure of any given CM. Using a heuristic analysis to examine a set of 41 CMs, a typology is introduced demonstrating that there are important differences among CMs. The paper concludes that since a single set of criteria is no longer appropriate, different sets of criteria are needed to evaluate the success or failure of different types of CMs

Teaching and Learning Electronic Commerce in a Virtual Economy

This paper describes the redesign and implementation of a graduate course in electronic commerce using a pedagogical strategy, problem centered learning, and a virtual economy, (VE) a simulation of a competitive marketplace for information products and services. The pedagogical, service, research, and technological components of this course are presented and the student experience is briefly described. At the time of this writing, the VE has been operating for three weeks so the discussion of the challenges faced by the students is necessarily brief and preliminary

Making a Case for Scenario-Based Learning in IS and Executive Education

This paper argues that scenario based learning is an appropriate pedagogical strategy for business school education, both for students and for executive education. Beginning with a discussion of problem based learning, the pedagogical strategy within which scenario based learning is grounded. The approach is explained and two examples of scenarios are offered, one for students and one for executives

A Study of State-Funded Community Networks in Indiana: Final Report

Indiana Universit