The Unintended Consequence

2012 ◽  
pp. 350-363
Author(s):  
Hamid Nemati ◽  
Amna Latif
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Unintended Consequence ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Islamic Republic Of Iran ◽  
The Law

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are an important factor in the socio-economic development of transitioning and developing countries. Given the importance of ICT in global social and economic development, many researchers have examined its development and growth strategies from national and governmental policy perspectives. However, understanding the consequences of information and communication technologies in developing countries is complex and far from certain. Given the ambiguity, complexity, and diversity of what constitutes ICT, Heeks (2002) suggested the existence of incongruencies between what policy makers envision as ICT and the actuality of what is ultimately manifested, proposing the “design-actuality gap” framework to understand this inconsistency. Baqir et al. (2009) extended the design-actuality gap framework to show that the dimensions of design maybe different than those of the actuality, but did not provide an explanation for this gap. In this paper, the authors posit that the gap can only be explained based on the law of “unintended consequence” (Merton, 1936). This phenomenon can best be seen in developing nations where ICT’s impact on socio-economic development is exaggerated. The authors present the case of the Islamic Republic of Iran and show how the law of unintended consequence can explain the major chasm that exists between ICT development and the actuality of use.

The Unintended Consequence

2012 ◽  
pp. 1329-1342
Author(s):  
Hamid Nemati ◽  
Amna Latif
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Unintended Consequence ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Islamic Republic Of Iran ◽  
The Law

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are an important factor in the socio-economic development of transitioning and developing countries. Given the importance of ICT in global social and economic development, many researchers have examined its development and growth strategies from national and governmental policy perspectives. However, understanding the consequences of information and communication technologies in developing countries is complex and far from certain. Given the ambiguity, complexity, and diversity of what constitutes ICT, Heeks (2002) suggested the existence of incongruencies between what policy makers envision as ICT and the actuality of what is ultimately manifested, proposing the “design-actuality gap” framework to understand this inconsistency. Baqir et al. (2009) extended the design-actuality gap framework to show that the dimensions of design maybe different than those of the actuality, but did not provide an explanation for this gap. In this paper, the authors posit that the gap can only be explained based on the law of “unintended consequence” (Merton, 1936). This phenomenon can best be seen in developing nations where ICT’s impact on socio-economic development is exaggerated. The authors present the case of the Islamic Republic of Iran and show how the law of unintended consequence can explain the major chasm that exists between ICT development and the actuality of use.

The Unintended Consequence

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 14-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Nemati ◽  
Amna Latif
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Unintended Consequence ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Islamic Republic Of Iran ◽  
The Law

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are an important factor in the socio-economic development of transitioning and developing countries. Given the importance of ICT in global social and economic development, many researchers have examined its development and growth strategies from national and governmental policy perspectives. However, understanding the consequences of information and communication technologies in developing countries is complex and far from certain. Given the ambiguity, complexity, and diversity of what constitutes ICT, Heeks (2002) suggested the existence of incongruencies between what policy makers envision as ICT and the actuality of what is ultimately manifested, proposing the “design-actuality gap” framework to understand this inconsistency. Baqir et al. (2009) extended the design-actuality gap framework to show that the dimensions of design maybe different than those of the actuality, but did not provide an explanation for this gap. In this paper, the authors posit that the gap can only be explained based on the law of “unintended consequence” (Merton, 1936). This phenomenon can best be seen in developing nations where ICT’s impact on socio-economic development is exaggerated. The authors present the case of the Islamic Republic of Iran and show how the law of unintended consequence can explain the major chasm that exists between ICT development and the actuality of use.

scholarly journals New Technologies Adoption and Diffusion Patterns in Developing Countries. An Empirical Study for the Period 2000-2011

Equilibrium ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 79-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Lechman
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Special Role ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The World ◽  
Information And Communication

In recent years, enormous changes are noted worldwide during broad  adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). These unique  technologies – often perceived as economic development incentives – have a great  ability to spread at high pace and low cost in countries all over the world, bringing  people opportunities to contribute to economic development and growth. New Technologies  play a special role in developing countries, where their in-country adoption  lies in the centre of development strategies. ICT are treated as tools which bring  people access to information, education and knowledge, offering unlimited possibilities  for wealth-creation.  The paper, purely empirical in nature, reports on the pace of adoption of new Information  and Communication Technologies in developing countries, and – additionally  – investigates country-specific ICT diffusion patterns. We expect to uncover  the S-shape curve in the diffusion process in most of developing countries, as well as  in the whole country sample.  For the analysis purposes, we apply all counties which – according to the World  Bank nomenclature – are classified as low-income and lower-middle-income econ-  omies. Our sample covers 46 countries (upper-middle-income and high-income  economies are excluded from the study purposefully) which are classified as developing  economies. The time framework is set for the period of 2000-2011. All data  necessary for the analysis are derived from World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators  Database 2012 (16th edition).

Context for ICT’s Role in South African Development

2010 ◽  
pp. 89-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Udo Richard Averweg ◽  
Geoff Joseph Erwin
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
South African ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
African Government ◽  
Disadvantaged Communities ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Mixed Approach

This chapter discusses that information and communication technologies (ICTs) can (and should) be used to disseminate information and participation to disadvantaged communities in order to foster socio-economic development in South Africa. The objective of this chapter is twofold: (1) how should ICT policies and frameworks in South Africa be implemented (e.g. by a “top-down”, “bottom-up” or “mixed approach” paradigm) in order for the South African government to achieve its socio-economic goals?; and (2) can socio-economic development in South Africa be effectively assisted by the use of ICT? A discussion of these points may assist in the formulation of national ICT policies in South Africa and thereby spawn the setting up of social appropriation of ICT advancement programs. Such programs are particularly relevant to the digital divide, for fostering socio-economic development and in promoting an inclusive information society in South Africa.

scholarly journals Digital literacy: The quest of an inclusive definition

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James K. Njenga
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Economic Competition ◽  
Related Information ◽  
The Social ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication

Forces of globalisation and economic competition enhanced by, among others, the digital technologies, are radically transforming the social context. Digital technologies are characterised by a powerful and pervasive Internet as well as the related information and communication technologies. Globalisation is facilitated by the universally accessible, reliable and inexpensive communication assisted by these digital technologies. However, there is growing and valid scepticism regarding the digitally influenced socio-economic emancipation. This scepticism is mainly driven by a lack of understanding of digital literacy as a holistic process of creating the necessary social, economic and political changes within a given context. The understanding of digital literacy therefore needs to join a number of seemingly divergent views of digital technology when dealing with these technologies’ benefits in socio-economic emancipation. This understanding of digital literacy should therefore be shaped and focused more on understanding how digital literacy impacts the poor and marginalised, especially in looking at the socio-economic welfare of these marginalised sections of the society. This article discusses digital literacy by firstly looking at the shortcomings of the available definitions and approaches and then recommends a socio-economic development-orientated definition. The article brings to the fore the most critical digital literacy issues for socio-economic development. These issues are important; they ensure that digital literacy is not viewed in isolation, but rather in terms of its outcomes and consequences, especially with regard to socio-economic development.

An extended conceptual framework to understand information and communication technology-enabled socio-economic development at community level in Bangladesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 736-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahfuz Ashraf ◽  
Helena Grunfeld ◽  
Md. Rakibul Hoque ◽  
Khorshed Alam
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Chain Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication

Purpose Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have received much attention as a tool for development for several decades. One way in which ICTs were introduced in developing countries, particularly prior to the advent of smartphones, was through shared access and information centres. Many of these were established as pilots, but were unable to operate without external funding and were often declared failures. And some of them probably were, particularly those that focussed exclusively on ICT as a technology, rather than on how the centres could contribute to improving livelihoods. The purpose of this paper is to explore how some centres, namely “Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) Gonokendra” in three villages of Bangladesh, influenced socio-economic development. Design/methodology/approach This study was informed by the Heeks and Molla’s extended information chain model and Sen’s “development as freedom”. The field study was undertaken in three BRAC Gonokendras located in different villages in rural Bangladesh. Findings While the authors found that the centres contributed to socio-economic development, this contribution was limited by social constraints, hindering the well-being of individuals and families. Addressing social constraints thus remains a challenge in order for ICTs to contribute to development. Originality/value The extended framework to investigate ICT-led socio-economic development implies that ICT as a catalyst can promote development at micro/community level only by simultaneously addressing social constraints.

scholarly journals monde sans frontières : e-migration et intern@alisation

2021 ◽  
pp. 355-377
Author(s):  
Hayet Kerras ◽  
María Dolores De Miguel Gómez
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

La globalización, la innovación tecnológica y la velocidad del cambio hacen necesario adaptarse a las nuevas necesidades de cada país. Esto está condicionado por el dominio de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC), que permiten traspasar fronteras y posibilitar la interacción entre países. En la actualidad, el fenómeno migratorio en España se ha vuelto cotidiano, y lograr la integración de estos migrantes es un desafío que condiciona el desarrollo socioeconómico, por eso comparamos en este estudio la diferencia entre la brecha digital y especialmente la brecha de género entre España y Argelia y analicemos el impacto que esta brecha digital tiene en la integración de la inmigración argelina en España, y propongamos medidas que puedan mejorar la inclusión de estas personas. Globalization, technological innovation and speed changes make the adaption to the new needs of each country necessary. This is conditioned by the mastery of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), which makes it possible to push borders back and to interact between countries. Currently, migration in Spain has become a daily phenomenon and achieving the integration of those migrants is a challenge that conditions socio-economic development. This is the reason why, in this study, we are establishing the difference in the digital divide, precisely the gender gap, between Spain and Algeria, analyzing the impact that has this digital divide on the integration of Algerian immigrants in Spain and proposing measures that can improve the inclusion of these people.

scholarly journals Correlation Between the Level of Socio-economic Development and the Use of the Information and Communication Technologies

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 93-103
Author(s):  
Irina A. Rodionova ◽  
Uliana V. Mizerovskaya
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
World Economy ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The World ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Structural Shifts

During recent decades, the rate of structural shifts in the world economy has been especially fast. One of the factors used to influence these processes was to actively develop hi-tech industries and information and communication technologies. With the course of time, the level of informatization of society becomes a defining factor for a country’s competitiveness and predefines its ability to integrate into the global economy. The article characterizes the readiness of different countries to make a move to an innovative way of development based on analysis of combined rating tables that contain integral indices of society’s informatization level. The level of accomplishment of the task to form an innovative type of economy can be assessed in the link between implementation of science and technology progress achievements (i.e.: through the use of information and communication technologies) and the level of socio-economic development of the world countries. Current positions held by Russia and Poland according to some integral indices are also being analyzed.          

scholarly journals eTourism for Socio-Economic Development

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessadro Inversini ◽  
Isabella Rega
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Small Community ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Social ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Economic Contribution

Tourism has often been described as an economic driving force that contributes to rural and emerging economies development. However, when it comes to the social aspect of development the nature of this contribution is still debated by academics. Information and Communication Technologies can help enhancing the socio-economic contribution of tourism by fostering community-based tourism independent marketing and sales dis-intermediation. eT4D can be defined as the independent use of technologies by micro and small community based tourism firms to market and sell their products and services thus fostering local socio-economic development.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document