Jonny Holmström: Technology-Entangled Organizations: Information Systems and Organizations as Evolving Multi-purpose Networks

This seminar is intended to explore Jonny Holmströms thesis manuscript; this exploration will be structured as a thesis defence, where three opponents have been assigned to provide their comments and questions about the thesis work.

Thesis abstract: Information systems (IS's) are widely acknowledged to be central for our contemporary organizations. Along with the increasing importance of new IS in organizations, a train of thought has developed during the last few years that claims that IS and organizations mutually shape each other. While new IS shape organizational structure and behavior, the actual role and meaning of IS in organizations is largely dependent on the organizational setting. However, questions of how that IS and organizations mutually shape each other have remained largely unexplored. The purpose of this thesis is to create better understanding of the design and use of IS in an organizational context.

As results from the literature review, three recommendations concerning how to best understand the role and meaning of IS in organizational activities are proposed. First, I recommend theories that are process-oriented - theories that are focused on the process of design and use of IS and also trace the changing role of IS in this process. Second, I recommend a focus on technologies rather than technology - to open up for the possibility that a technology can differ depending on context. Third, I recommend theories that are detailed, both when it comes to technology as well as use. Actor-network theory is found to be a theory well suited for meeting these recommendations.

An interpretive case-study approach has been used for the gathering of data. A case study was conducted in the municipal organization of Umeå over a period of 36 months. Semi-structured interviews, participant observations and document analysis were used as data collection techniques. The findings indicate that it is critical for IS adaptation processes to mobilize a significant amount of allies. It was also found that it is critical to balance the tension between standardization and local solutions of IS. In the municipal organization, the new IS contributed to open up the black box of economy. It also contributed in reinforcing a certain view on decision-making - a view that is focused on organizational resources rather than on organizational objectives.

The concept of evolving multi-purpose networks has been coined to describe and analyze the character of the technology-entangled organization. There is a mutual shaping between IS and organization, as the inscription in the IS shapes the organization, and the IS is localized at different branches in the organization. Understanding IS as an actor, and focusing on the way in which there is a pattern of use embodied in the IS, underlines the dynamic processes involved in IS adaptation processes. The concept of negotiation loop is coined to describe and analyze the processes of IS adaptation, where the role and meaning of the IS changes as new actors are aligned to the network. An evolving multi-purpose network is changeful as negotiation loops continue also after the IS is established in the organization. The notion of evolving multi-purpose networks is meant to stimulate reflection both for researchers and practitioners, underscoring the negotiated character of technology-entangled organizations.

Key words: IS adaptation, organizational transformation, decision-making, actor-network theory

Välkommna
John Cumberbatch