Culture, Control and Competition; Towards a Conceptual Framework for the Study of Information Technology in Organizations

Coombs, Rod and Knights, David and Willmott, Hugh C. (1992) Culture, Control and Competition; Towards a Conceptual Framework for the Study of Information Technology in Organizations. Organization Studies, 13 (1). pp. 51-72. ISSN 0170-8406

Abstract

This paper examines the significance of information communication technology (I.C.T.) for the theory and practice of organizations. There is voluminous literature in this field, but I.C.T. tends to be perceived as just another example of new technology. In fact, the information dimension of I.C.T. gives it a distinctive character in contrast to other technologies which remains under-theorized. The paper argues that information is intimately linked with power-knowledge rela tions and the forms of subjectivity that reside therein. In theorizing the exercise of power and the constitution of subjectivity, we suggest that three concepts culture, control and competition provide additional insights for the study of the development and application of I.C.T.s in organizations. The paper seeks to illustrate these arguments by reference to case study examples from financial service companies and the National Health Service.