A Contextual Framework for Computerized Information Systems. An exploratory study of computerized information systems in nine manufacturing organizations with regard to technological and environmental factors

Författare

Agneta Olerup

Summary, in English

Research within contingency theory recognizes and postulates the relevance of contextual factors to the design of organizations. Thus organizations are dependent on the environments in which they operate and on the technologies they utilize. Organizations therefore need to process information about their environments and technologies. Information systems, including computerized information sytems, play an important part in organizations and the reltionships between computerzed information systems and organizational context need to be considered. In this study it is hypothesized that differences in the charactristics of computerizedinformation systems in different organizations can to some extent be explained by differences in these organizational contexts. A major distinction is made between content-oriented and generic classification models of computerized information systems. A model for describing generic characteristics of computerized information systems is suggested. This model proposes that the characteristics of a computerized information systems can be classified on the one hand in terms of time-orientation and complexity, and on the other hand in terms of data-base, reports or processing. In the empirical part of the study the model porposed i illustrated. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews on technology, environment and computerized information systems for production control in nine large manufacturing organizations. The results are formulated as detailed hypotheses, which are consistent with the original, general hypothesis.

Avdelning/ar