Lost in interpretation: Making sense of equivocalities and tensions in approaches to interoperability

Authors

Ruth NF Sloot, Ruth NF Sloot, Department of Civil Engineering and Management, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
Johannes T Voordijk, Ruth NF Sloot, Department of Civil Engineering and Management, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
Leentje Volker, Ruth NF Sloot, Department of Civil Engineering and Management, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

Interoperability promotes data-driven practices by enabling the aggregation and sharing of data from distributed information systems. It thus offers potential benefits to organizations for delivering more efficient and sustainable services. Despite its potentials, achieving interoperability remains a significant challenge. In this paper, we shed light on the obscure landscape of organizational challenges that lead to low interoperability. Based on a 3-year longitudinal single-case study of a public agency’s attempts to enhance interoperability, we uncover how three major categories of equivocality – scope, needs, and priorities – hinder approaches to interoperability at the data, software, and IT levels. We also reveal that entangled organizational tensions explain why such equivocalities emerge. By analyzing interoperability challenges from the combined concepts of equivocality and tensions, this paper offers a unique perspective on their intricate nature, making sense of the obscure landscape of challenges in various approaches to interoperability.

DOI

10.1177/02683962241295785

Recommended Citation

Sloot, Ruth NF; Voordijk, Johannes T; and Volker, Leentje (2025) "Lost in interpretation: Making sense of equivocalities and tensions in approaches to interoperability," Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 40: Iss. 3, Article 2.
DOI: 10.1177/02683962241295785
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol40/iss3/2