journal article
LitStream Collection
User involvement, organisational subcultures and development trajectory
BeynonDavies, Paul; Tudhope, Douglas; Mackay, Hugh
1999 Journal of Systems and Information Technology
doi: 10.1108/13287269980000741
In this paper we discuss some of the particular features of user involvement in information systems IS development projects with reference to the idea of the trajectory of development being a politicalcultural process. The main aim is to attempt to supply more depth to an understanding of the pragmatics of user involvement in IS development projects. We illustrate how in one particular project, differences in organisational subcultures, and in particular the way in which the technology was framed, led to differences in the way in which an information system was conceived. These differences, in turn, contributed to elements of organisational conflict between stakeholder groups over the future trajectory of the IS development. We conclude with a critique of some generally held assumptions concerning user involvement.