Improving success with information technology using an organizational epistemology

Abstract

There may be a disconnect between technology as-created and as-used that could lie at the foundation of frequent failure in cost, schedule, and/or performance of Information Technology/Information Systems (IT/IS). This can perhaps be reconciled through a focus on the socially constructed and emergent nature of IT as it enters and is used by an organization. A structured and facilitated dialog technique, by focusing on properly perceiving human felt needs in addition to technological aims, may improve the process of technology realization. This paper starts with an analysis of IT/IS failure factors using case studies. Then, a theoretical framework is derived to attempt to address the systemic failure factors. This is then made practical by creating a conceptual decision framework for management to use in framing complex investment decisions including IT/IS. The framework elements achieve an organizational epistemology, or knowledge framework, that can potentially facilitate more accurate acquisition and development of the system-as-created, and perhaps lay the foundation for subsequent transition into a system-as-used that an organization can use in the manner needed and intended. In addition, this epistemology may underlie the process and products of successful IT/IS architecture.