The Rationality Framework for a Critical Study of Information Systems

Authors

Dubravka Cecez-Kecmanovic, School of Information Systems, Technology and Management, Faculty of Commerce and Economics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Marius Janson, Department of Information Systems, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 8001 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA
Ann Brown, Faculty of Management, Cass Business School, City University, Frobisher Crescent, London, EC27 8HB, UK

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

This paper situates the social implications of information systems (IS) within the broader context of progressive rationalization in modern organizations. Specifically, it examines the roles IS play in the rationalization of organizational processes and its social implications. The paper proposes a rationality framework that synthesizes different approaches to reason and rationality and provides a conceptual model for critical analysis of social and organizational consequences of rationalization in organizations that are enabled and supported by IS. By drawing on a field study the paper interprets three IS cases in order to demonstrate how the rationality framework helps explain different IS-organization relationships in the light of increasing levels of rationality that entail both substantial benefits and considerable risks.

DOI

10.1080/0268396022000017752

Recommended Citation

Cecez-Kecmanovic, Dubravka; Janson, Marius; and Brown, Ann (2002) "The Rationality Framework for a Critical Study of Information Systems," Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 17: Iss. 4, Article 4.
DOI: 10.1080/0268396022000017752
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol17/iss4/4