Abstract
Information systems research is concerned with complex imbroglios of human and non-human components. As researchers, we need ways to represent the intricacies of the different stakeholders in such situations. Traditionally, it is assumed that representing the views of human stakeholders is relatively unproblematic, but that doing this for non-humans is far more complex. This paper addresses this assumption, drawing on the philosophy of science of Isabelle Stengers. It considers the case of the UK NHSnet project and focuses on two stakeholders in the project, one human (the patients) and one nonhuman (the encryption algorithm used to encode confidential patient data). As the case study shows, representing either stakeholder is equally problematic and the paper reflects on the implications of this for information systems research.
The original version of this chapter was revised: The copyright line was incorrect. This has been corrected. The Erratum to this chapter is available at DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-35505-4_33
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Keywords
- Encryption Algorithm
- Trusted Third Party
- Information System Research
- British Medical Association
- Security Consultant
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Pouloudi, A., Whitley, E.A. (2000). Representing Human and Non-Human Stakeholders: On Speaking with Authority. In: Baskerville, R., Stage, J., DeGross, J.I. (eds) Organizational and Social Perspectives on Information Technology. IFIP — The International Federation for Information Processing, vol 41. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35505-4_20
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35505-4_20
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