Abstract
There is a not yet resolved, ongoing debate concerning the character of technology. After synthesizing the main strands in this theoretical contention, the paper draws on Don Ihde’s ‘soft’ technological determinism to discuss appropriate strategies of organizational learning on the part of IS vendors. A case is presented concerning the design and evolution of the competence center of the financial division of a large Italian software house. The description and discussion show that an early, persistent, and extensive involvement of human resources in the project, the lean structure of the center, and its promotion of knowledge exchanges both within the division and with clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies allowed for improved division capabilities. An interorganizational ‘learning ladder’ was thus established so that technologies and contexts could be more flexibly and effectively addressed and managed.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Venkatesh, V., Morris, M.G., Davis, G.B., Davis, F.D. (2003). User Acceptance of Information Technology: Toward a Unified View. MIS Quarterly, Vol. 27 No 3, pp. 425–478.
Mao, E., Palvia, P. (2006). Testing an Extended Model of IT Acceptance in the Chinese Cultural Context. The DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems – Spring-Summer (Vol. 37, Nos. 2 & 3).
Ihde, D. (2002) Bodies in Technology. University of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis, MN.
Howcroft, D. Mitev, N., Wilson, M. (2004). What we May Learn from the Social Shaping of Technology Approach. In Mingers, J. and Willcocks, L. eds. Social Theory and Philosophy for Information Systems. Chichester: Wiley.
Orlikowski, W.J. (1992). The Duality of Technology: Rethinking the Concept of Technology in Organizations. Organization Science. Vol. 3. No. 3, pp. 398–427.
Jones, M., Orlikowski, W.J., Munir, K. (2004). Structuration Theory and Information Systems: A Critical Appraisal. In Mingers, J. and Willcocks, L. eds. Social Theory and Philosophy for Information Systems. Chichester: Wiley.
Latour, B. (2003). The Promises of Constructivism. In Ihde, D., Selinger E. (eds) Chasing Technoscience. Bloomington, IN. Indiana University Press.
Ihde, D.(2003) If Phenomenology Is an Albatross, Is Post-phenomenology Possible?. In Ihde, D., Selinger E. (eds) Chasing Technoscience. Bloomington, IN. Indiana University Press.
Verbeek, P.P. (2005) What Things Do. The Pennsylvania University Press, Pennsylvania.
Ihde, D. (1990). Technology and the Lifeworld. From Garden to Earth. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
Denton, J. (1998). Organizational Learning and Effectiveness. London, New York: Routledge.
Ciborra, C., Andreu, R.(2002). Knowledge across Boundaries. In Choo, C.W., Bontis, N. (eds.) The Strategic Management of Intellectual Capital and Organizational Knowledge. Oxfrod: Oxford University Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2009 Physica-Verlag Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Depaoli, P. (2009). Don Ihde’s ‘Soft’ Technological Determinism and Capabilities for IS Organizational Learning. The Case of a Competence Center. In: D'Atri, A., Saccà, D. (eds) Information Systems: People, Organizations, Institutions, and Technologies. Physica-Verlag HD. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7908-2148-2_32
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7908-2148-2_32
Published:
Publisher Name: Physica-Verlag HD
Print ISBN: 978-3-7908-2147-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-7908-2148-2
eBook Packages: Business and EconomicsBusiness and Management (R0)