This paper introduces a set of information technology variables which can be used in designing organizations. We
first look at traditional design variables and then present
a series of options enabled by modern information
technology. We use these IT design variables to describe
four prototypical organizations which are beginning to
appear in the workplace: virtual, negotiated, traditional
and vertically integrated. It is argued that an
organization designer must also consider how structure and
technology influence job tasks and people in order to be
successful. The paper discusses potential implementation
difficulties, particularly in motivating traditional
organizations to take advantage of IT design variables. The
paper concludes that the design of information technology
and the design of organizations is largely becoming the same
task.Information Systems Working Papers Serie