The Organizational Impact of Computer Systems

In this chapter the impact that computer systems have on individuals, workgroups, and organizations is considered. When a new computer system is introduced into an organization it is expected to produce certain beneficial effects for the organization and for individuals within that organization. These effects are discussed with reference to ideal systems outlined by some researchers. Following this, some of the research that reports the actual effects of implementing computer systems is described. These issues include the impact of a system on the user’s tasks, changes in the user’s discretion, increases of control over the user, power changes, conflict between groups, and changes in leadership style and organizational structure. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of the approaches to tackling these difficult problems.