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How does new information technology become part of the fabric of organisational life? Drawing on insights from social studies of technology, gender studies and the sociology of consumption, Valuing Technology opens up new directions in the analysis of sociotechnical change within organisations. Based on a major research project focused upon the introduction of management of information systems in health, higher education and retailing, I explores the active role of end-users in innovation.This book argues that it is through the , often difficult, engagement between users and technology that new computer systems come to gain value within organisations. Key themes developed through analysis of case studies include:*the valuing of technology via the on-going construction of needs, uses and utilities*occupational identities, organisational inequalities and technological change*the gendering of technological and organisational change*interpretive flexibility and the 'stabilisation' of technological systems and their incorporation into the lives of people in organisations.A stimulating blend of the theoretical and substantive, this book demands a radical redefinition of 'technology acquisition'. It's highly original approach makes Valuing Technology essential reading for students, lecturers and researchers within the fields of organisation studies and the sociology of technology.
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Valuing Technology Drawing on insights from social studies of technology, gender studies and the sociology of consumption, Valuing Technology opens up new directions in the analysis of sociotechnical change within organisations. Based on a major research project focused upon the introduction of management information systems in health, higher education and retailing, it explores the active role of end-users in innovation. This book argues that it is through the, often difficult, engagement between users and technology that new computer systems come to gain value within organisations. Key themes developed through analysis of case studies include: • • • • • the valuing of technology via the on-going construction of needs, uses and utilities occupational identities, organisational inequalities and technological change the gendering of technological and organisational change the interplay of technological and organisational cultures the ‘stabilisation’ of technological systems and their ‘incorporation’ into the lives of people in organisations A stimulating blend of the theoretical and substantive, this book demands a radical redefinition of ‘technology acquisition’. Its highly original approach makes Valuing Technology essential reading for students, lecturers and researchers within the fields of organisation studies and the sociology of technology. Janice McLaughlin is Research Fellow and Lecturer in Sociology and Women’s Studies. Paul Rosen is Research Fellow in Social Studies of Technology. David Skinner is Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Studies Unit. Andrew Webster is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Science and Technology Studies Unit. All are based at Anglia Polytechnic University, UK. The Management of Technology and Innovation Edited by David Preece University of Portsmouth, UK The books in this series offer grounding in central elements of the management of technology and innovation. Each title will explain, develop and critically explore issues and concepts in a particular aspect of the management of technology/innovation, combining a review of the current state of knowledge with the presentation and discussion of primary material not previously published. Each title is designed to be user-friendly, with an international orientation and key introductions and summaries. Technology in Context Technology assessment for managers Ernest Braun