Developing inclusion and critical reflection in information systems planning

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Abstract

Information systems (IS) planning is a developing field, and currently organizations plan and implement systems that enable them to transcend traditional boundaries. However, the issue of how individuals and groups can influence the process and outcomes of organizational IS planning with their own concerns still needs further attention. This paper presents an approach to IS planning that facilitates inclusion and participation of people. The focus of planning remains the organization, but critical thinking is developed through reflection on wider (e.g. individual and societal) concerns. Using Critical Systems Thinking (CST) and the theories of boundary critique and autopoiesis, the approach in this paper emphasizes continuous inclusion of, and reflection on, different issues of concern, values and interests that groups of stakeholders have about their situation prior to the selection, design and implementation of planning methods. Reflections from practice can lead practitioners to consider the importance of ethics in information systems planning
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)909-927
JournalOrganization
Volume14
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2007

Keywords

  • Autopoiesis
  • Boundary Critique
  • Ethics
  • Information systems
  • Power
  • systems thinking
  • STRATEGY

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