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The Rationality Framework for a Critical Study of Information Systems

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Enacting Research Methods in Information Systems: Volume 1

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Abstract

This paper focuses on the relationship between information systems (IS) and organizational processes from the perspective of the rationality of actors and their actions. The terms rational and rationality that are used in theoretical writings and in everyday life denote a multiplicity of meanings. The idea of reason has been connected with the disposition of actors to give rational grounds for or logical explanations of their beliefs and actions. Similarly, the actions by which actors achieve desired ends are regarded as rational. Furthermore, organizational processes that embody and are governed by rational actions are considered rational. More generally, an increase in the rationality that characterizes modern organizations and society is called rationalization. This paper explores the relationship between IS and organizations within the light of the progressive rationalization of organizational processes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Information Systems, Technology and Management, Faculty of Commerce and Economics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

    Dubravka Cecez-Kecmanovic

  2. Department of Information Systems, University of Missouri-St. Louis, USA

    Marius Janson

  3. Faculty of Management, Cass Business School, Frobisher Crescent, City University, London, UK

    Ann Brown

Authors
  1. Dubravka Cecez-Kecmanovic
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  2. Marius Janson
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  3. Ann Brown
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

    Leslie P. Willcocks

  2. Oxford University, UK

    Chris Sauer

  3. University of Missouri-St Louis, USA

    Mary C. Lacity

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Cecez-Kecmanovic, D., Janson, M., Brown, A. (2016). The Rationality Framework for a Critical Study of Information Systems. In: Willcocks, L.P., Sauer, C., Lacity, M.C. (eds) Enacting Research Methods in Information Systems: Volume 1. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29266-3_6

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