Making a World of Difference

Information Technology has become an essential component of contemporary society, allowing much faster and more widespread communication, not least through the growth of the Internet. However, many issues concerned with the human aspects of the use of IT remain problematic despite technological advances. An enhanced ability to collect and process data, or to communicate electronically across time and space, does not necessarily lead to improved human communication and action. This book explores the social aspects of computerisation, using a wide range of detailed case studies, analysed from a variety of conceptual viewpoints. A further distinctive feature of the book is that it draws on empirical material from across the world as a whole, including non-Western countries. It is argued that we should be using IT to support a world in which diversity and difference are respected.
Synopsis
Making a World of Difference provides a context for the whole debate about the relationship of people and computers. It looks at the role of IS/IT in a modern society and the way it impacts on people, companies, economics etc. Prof. Walsham readily acknowledges that this environment is rapidly changing and that it is therefore important not to focus too closely on current technologies or one particular system of thought, but consider them as one of many other alternatives. It is structured to be of use for academics and business audience - Part 1 is holistic and reflexive, while Parts 2 and 3 are written for the busy manager who can consider the key issues independently."Making a World of Difference" stellt die aktuelle Diskussion um die Beziehung zwischen Mensch und Computer in einen globalen Zusammenhang. Autor Geoff Walsham untersucht die Rolle von IS und IT in der modernen Gesellschaft und ihren Einfluß auf Menschen, Unternehmen, Volkswirtschaften, usw. Da dieses Umfeld sich rasant verändert, ist es wichtig, sich nicht zu stark auf aktuelle Technologien (z.B. Internet) und Konzepte (z.B. Wissensmanagement) zu konzentrieren, sondern sie vielmehr als eine Möglichkeit unter vielen anderen zu betrachten. Deshalb behandelt dieses Buch u.a. auch Entwicklungen in China Japan, Thailand und Indien. Series Preface.

Preface.
IT IN SOCIETY.
Introduction.
Contemporary Society.
Computers at Work.

CHANGING WAYS OF WORKING.
Shifting Identity.

Teaming Up.

Reorganizing the Enterprise.
Trust in Networks.

DIFFERENT WORLDS.

Culture as Context.
Working Across Cultures.
CONCLUSIONS.
Designing for Diversity.

References.
Author Index.
Subject Index. " ... an extremely stimulating, thoughtful, and engaging contribution ..." (Scandinavian Journal of Management, Vol.18 2002)

"…considerable strength…main value if the book lies in the numerous and wide-ranging case studies…" (Organization Studies, Vol.24, No.2.)

"…a rich source of inspiration for further studies…" (Knowledge Management, July 2003)

GEOFF WALSHAM is a Research Professor of Management Studies at the Judge Institute of Management Studies, Cambridge University, UK. His teaching and research is centred on the development, management and use of computer-based information systems, and the relationship of information and communication technologies to stability and change in organizations and societies. He is particularly interested in the human consequences of computerization in a global context, including both industrialized and developing countries. Richly illustrated with vivid and detailed case studies, this book addresses many of the issues that are critical if information systems are to be an effective part of a global business environment.
* In Part One, the author focuses on theoretical views of the contemporary world, with a particular emphasis on the role of information and communication technologies. This part includes theories of globalization, and more micro-level theories on knowledge, the role of information tehcnology , improvisation in work practice, and power and politics.
* Part Two presents in-depth case material at different levels of analysis: personal and professional identity; the work of groups or teams; organizational connectivity and restructuring; and inter-organizational networking. It draws on theory from Part One for analytical purposes.
* Part Three has a similar goal to Part Two, but with a specific emphasis on non-Western cultures.
* Some overall conclusions are summarized in Part Four.
Making a World of Difference will be of specific interest to students on graduate courses in management information systems, computer science and management studies. It will also be of value to information systems practitioners and managers concerned with the development and use of IT. Information technology has become an essential component of contemporary society, allowing much faster and more widespread communication, not least through the growth of the internet. However, many issues concerned with the human aspects of the use of IT remain problematic despite technological advances. An enhanced ability to collect and process data, or to communicate electronically across time and space, does not necessarily lead to improved human communication and action.

This book explores the social aspects of computerization, using a wide range of detailed case studies, analysed from a variety of conceptual viewpoints. A further distinctive feature of the book is that it draws epirical material from accross the world as a whole, including non-Western countries. It is argued that we should be using IT to support a world in which diversity and difference are respected.