Towards a more realistic appraisal of IT impacts and outcomes a case study analysis based on the structurational model of information technology

This paper attempts to conceptualise the various issues in the IT-change process within the framework of Olikowski and Robey's (1991) structurational model of IT. This model is derived from Anthony Gidden's interpretation of social reality in his theory of structuration and provides a meta-theoretical framework which allows for a broad-based systemic approach to the study of organisations. From Gidden's concept of the duality of structure, Olikowski and Robey derives the four key sets of influences in the interaction between technology and organisation: IT as shaped by designers and users, IT as the medium of work, the influence of social systems on people interacting with IT, and IT's influence an the organisation's institutional framework. Our analysis of the people-technology interactions in this case is anchored on these four key sets of influences.<>