Abstract
In this paper, we report about a multilevel case study on the introduction of enterprise architecture (EA) in the Norwegian hospital sector. We utilize institutional logics as a theoretical lens, focusing on the enterprise architects’ logics that are underexplored in information systems research. We have col-lected empirical evidence at national (macro), regional (meso), and local (micro) levels. The findings are classified into nine categories with illustrative statements from the informants, demonstrating their reasoning about the contributions of EA. Furthermore, we identify tensions between enterprise archi-tects and managers and between enterprise architects and medical actors, which indicate the co-existence of multiple competing institutional logics. The most prominent tension is the paradox of EA—demands for local flexibility and autonomy at the micro level versus the predefined rules and standardization that EA imposes across all levels—which makes the institutionalizing process chal-lenging. The enterprise architect logics demonstrate similarities and differences across the various levels, indicating heterogeneity. We conclude this paper with a suggested persona of the enterprise architect, which illustrates the empirical findings.
Recommended Citation
Ajer, Anne Kristin S.; Hustad, Eli; and Vassilakopoulou, Polyxeni, "Enterprise Architects’ Logics across Organizational Levels: A Case Study in the Norwegian Hospital Sector" (2018). MCIS 2018 Proceedings. 6.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/mcis2018/6