Using Actor-Network Theory to Research the Adoption of Inter-Organizational Information Systems

2012 ◽  
pp. 83-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Underwood ◽  
Bruce McCabe
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Evolutionary Theory ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Organizational Cultures ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Organizational Information ◽  
Key Features ◽  
Technical Considerations

Inter-organizational information systems depend at least as much on collaboration across organizational cultures as on the development of technical infrastructure for their success. Actor-network theory (ANT) is a useful approach for bringing together social and technical considerations. In this chapter we discuss key features of ANT and show how it might be applied to a particular case of IOIS adoption; this ANT approach is compared to co-evolutionary theory which was originally applied to this case. Some possible extensions to ANT are contemplated, and we offer advice to those attempting ANT-based research. We also give advice, based on ANT, to those undertaking IOIS development.

Unravelling the Dynamics of IOIS Implementation: An Actor-Network Study of an IOIS in the Seaport of Barcelona

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Rodon ◽  
Joan Antoni Pastor ◽  
Feliciano Sesé ◽  
Ellen Christiaanse
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Technical Process ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Multilevel Study ◽  
Organizational Information ◽  
Fixed Set

Although inter-organizational information systems (IOIS) implementation has been widely studied, mainstream literature has not focused on understanding how implementation unfolds and how the existing components of the installed base shape the process. This paper addresses this gap by conducting a socio-technical, process-oriented, and multilevel study. Based on a longitudinal in-depth case study of the implementation of an industry IOIS, we develop an explication of IOIS implementation that considers the role of the installed base. Using the lens of actor-network theory (ANT), we counter the mainstream IOIS literature by showing that IOIS implementation cannot only be explained by a fixed set of independent factors; instead, the dynamic mutual shaping of socio-technical actors throughout implementation complements existing factor-based models in explaining the evolution and the outcome (success or failure). The study also shows the importance of complying with the technical and non-technical components of the installed base for an IOIS to be successfully initiated.

Understanding the Implementation of IT Governance Arrangements and IT Infrastructure Using Actor Network Theory

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 44-55
Author(s):  
Hafizah Mohamad Hsbollah ◽  
Alan Simon ◽  
Nick Letch
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
It Governance ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Global Network ◽  
It Infrastructure ◽  
Network Approach ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Governance Arrangements

The implementation of IT governance (ITG) arrangements and its relationship to IT infrastructure has not received much attention in either the ITG or the information systems (IS) literature. Based on the premise that the foundation on which ITG is implemented lies in the interaction between ITG arrangements of structures, processes and relational mechanisms and IT infrastructure, the authors present a discussion of how actor network theory (ANT) can be used as an overarching theoretical framework of explanation. The authors propose a model of ITG implementation and discuss how ANT, in particular the local/global network approach, can be applied to understand the relationship that exists between ITG arrangements and IT infrastructure.

Actor-Network Theory in Information Systems Research

2005 ◽  
pp. 42-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Tatnall
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research

Building an information system is a difficult task, partly due to the problem of ascertaining the requirements of the intended users, but also because of the complexity of the large number of human-machine interactions (Banville, 1991). This complexity is reflected in the difficulty of building these systems to operate free from error and to perform as intended. The dictionary defines innovation as “the alteration of what is established; something newly introduced”. As the introduction or improvement of an information system in an organisation necessarily involves change, information systems research often involves research into technological innovation.

ANT, Phenomenography and a Research Question in Information Systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bill Davey
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Actor Network

This paper describes the research Approach of Phenomenography. A research question that has been addressed by this method is used to allow comparison between Phenomenography and Actor- Network Theory as approaches to questions involving the adoption of new techniques in information systems projects.

Actor Network Theory and IS Research

2010 ◽  
pp. 403-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amany Elbanna
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Sociological Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Is Research ◽  
Key Concepts

Actor network theory is a sociological theory that emerged as a useful vehicle to study technology and information systems. This chapter gives the reader some background about the development and emergence of this sociological theory. It reviews some of the premises of the theory and introduces the reader to key concepts and ideas. It also presents some of the critique of the theory, ANT authors’ response, and the implication on IS research. This chapter also gives the reader an overview of the application of ANT in different streams of IS research.

Critical Realist Information Systems Research

2011 ◽  
pp. 811-817
Author(s):  
Sven A. Carlsson
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research

The information systems (IS) field is dominated by positivistic research approaches and theories (Chen & Hirschheim, 2004). IS scholars have pointed out weaknesses in these approaches and theories and in response different strands of post-modern theories and constructivism have gained popularity— see, Lee, Liebenau, and DeGross (1997) and Trauth (2001). The approaches argued for include ethnography, constructivism, grounded theory, and theories like Giddens’ structuration theory and Latour’s actor-network theory. (We refer to these different research approaches and theories as “post-approaches” and “post-theories” when distinction is not required).

Information Systems and Actor-Network Theory Analysis

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiko Iyamu ◽  
Tefo Sekgweleo
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Social Context ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
User Requirements ◽  
Theory Analysis ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
The Social ◽  
Politics And Culture ◽  
Operational Issues

Evidently, based on studies which have been conducted over the years, there exist lots more complexity than technical in the development and implementation of information systems in organisations. The complex issues are socio-technical in nature, which require a refresh examination, from social context, if different results are to be achieved. Some of the complexities which are encountered include operational issues, environmental trends, processes flow, communicative scheme, and actors’ relationship. The unpredictable nature of business and rapidly changing user requirements makes it even more difficult to develop and implement systems within budget and timeframe. Other challenges are within the social context, such as politics and culture affiliations. Through the lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) understanding of the social context of how information systems are developed and implemented is gained. Although ANT has been employed in many studies, it is of significant important to establishes and clarifies the factors, from the social perspective, which influences the development and implementation of information systems in organisations.

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