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The dynamics of computing
King J., Kraemer K. (ed), Columbia University Press, New York, NY, 1985. Type: Book (9789780231054324)
Date Reviewed: May 1 1986

In this book, King and Kraemer explore an issue of increasing importance to both managers and scholars of organizational computing: the relationships between computing policies, benefits, and problems in complex organizations. Using data from two major research projects (the URBIS [1] and OECD [2] projects, both of which examined the use and management of computers in city governments), King and Kraemer examine the integrity of a research model they develop to explain these relationships and then adjust their model given their findings.

Initially, the thrust of their initial research model is quite reasonable: that city governments applying “effective” computing policies should experience greater benefits and fewer problems than city governments not exhibiting such policies. However, the results of their data analysis was quite different: those city governments experiencing more problems had, in fact, adopted more “effective” computing policies. King and Kraemer explain (via arguments based both in practice and in organizational theory) this unexpected finding quite well. As complex organizations implement more and more sophisticated computer applications, constant and complex change ensues. This changes results in computing problems, which in turn prompt organizations to adopt computing policies. Very little knowledge exists, however, to guide organizations in adopting a “most appropriate” course of action.

While academic in its thrust, the authors have produced a very readable contribution to the computing literature. While critical readers are likely to find fault with aspects of the data collection procedures used in the URBIS and OECD projects (for example, the validity and comparability of the items used to measure computing benefits), as well as the authors’ approach to data analysis and interpretation (for example, many of their “computing policies” seemed to better represent dimensions of the “computing environment”), it is hard to find fault with the book’s basic arguments and conclusions.

Scholars interested in the management of computing or the implications of organizational computing should find the book to be a valuable reference to guide their own research efforts. Managers faced with the difficulties of guiding an organization’s use of computer technologies should find the book interesting, thought-provoking, and, in a way, reassuring. I highly recommend it to either of these two groups of <CR> readers.

Reviewer:  R. Zmud Review #: CR110103
1) Kraemer, K. L.; Dutton, W. H.; and Northrup, A.The management of information systems, Columbia University Press, New York, 1981.
2) Local government and information technology, OECD informatics study #12, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developemnt, Paris, France, 1978.
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Government (J.1 ... )
 
 
Organizational Impacts (K.4.3 )
 
 
Project And People Management (K.6.1 )
 
 
Public Policy Issues (K.4.1 )
 
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