Demystifying the Paradox of Stability and Flexibility in Information Systems Design: An Affordance Perspective

Sun, Ruonan and Zhang, Meng (2018) Demystifying the Paradox of Stability and Flexibility in Information Systems Design: An Affordance Perspective. In: Proceedings of the 38th International Conference on Information Systems :. UNSPECIFIED, USA, pp. 1-15. ISBN 9780996683173

Abstract

In the rapidly changing business and technology environment, the paradox of stability and flexibility in the design of information systems poses significant challenges. Whereas stability may improve efficiency, flexibility may stimulate opportunities. Although the literature recognizes the importance of both stability and flexibility, there is a lack of understanding of the tension between stability and flexibility; especially, how they may jointly affect information systems design. Drawing from an affordance perspective, this paper theorizes the mechanisms by which stability and flexibility interact. In particular, stability and flexibility may be manifested in functional and cognitive affordances. By comparing and contrasting various types of information systems, we show the dynamic relationship between stability and flexibility. In doing so, we contribute to a paradoxical theory of stability and flexibility in information systems design. This paper may inform the design, management, and use of information systems.