Factors that induce change in information systems
Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 20 (3):
243-253 (2003)DOI: 10.1002/sres.531
Abstract
Change cannot effectively be dealt with unless the nature of change is understood. This attitude to handling change is a point of departure for this work. Society changes, and conditions for organizations change. This will have a critical effect on the conditions for information systems. If necessary corrections are not made to the information system due to new conditions based on new demands on the information system, the information system will eventually be a system that no one will ask for. The purpose of this work is to specify the basis for making adequate corrections on information systems due to new conditions. Change factors, which will influence the conditions for an information system, have been identified by analysing studies in the literature where change factors that induce change to organizations are dealt with. A synthesis of change factors on the level of the organization has been transformed to the level of the individual, where the actual interaction between the information system and its context takes place. Furthermore, an empirical study based on approximately 150 interviews considering users' information needs in three Swedish government authorities has been considered in a synthesis. Based on that the following change factors have been found: external factors: type of work performed, working climate, time at disposal, competition, technology, laws and regulations, economy, feedback, environmental demands and expectations, culture, conflicts; internal factors: stress, experience, habits and motivation.