User innovation in information systems practice.

Information systems practice in this thesis is seen to involve the everyday use of technology for information purposes. It involves individuals or user groups and specialists in applying and adapting information technology resources. The inclusion of groups other than the Information Systems specialist as playing a role in the practice of information systems, is in part the recognition that information technology is increasingly accessible. It is possible to apply Information Technology in a variety of ways by non-information Systems specialists. This represents a shift in emphasis from the dominant assumption in much of the Information Systems literature that the practice is the sole domain of the Information Systems specialist. Further the thesis makes a critical appraisal of the effects that such an assumption has on the discipline. The perspective argued, is that the discipline has not yet effectively embraced the issues of learning and behaviour, in the context of power relationships in the everyday utilisation of the Information Technologies by non-information Systems specialists. It tends to be entrenched in Information Technology design and development The methodological debates associated with the underpinning of the discipline has still not embraced organisation based studies which focus on motivations and behaviours of the non-information Systems specialists who have increasingly powerful technology at their disposal.The thesis develops an analysis of behaviours and motivations of non-information Systems specialists. These motivations are termed 'orientations'. By using this construction, the thesis demonstrates that the application of Information Technology can be seen as 'constrained' by social structures and 'political' forces, and as such the applications are limited to haphazard innovations with the technology. One such 'constraint' is the general lack of empathy which is heightened by some of the assumptions and approaches made by the Information Systems discipline. This tends towards the functional aspect of application development, and thereby undervaluing the requirement for learning and critical reflection by those involved in the practice of Information Systems. Findings suggest that despite the availability of powerfultechnology, commonly its use as an effective information tool is constrained and limited.