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Technology, Organization, and Structure---A Morphogenetic Approach

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  • Alistair Mutch

    (Division of Information Management and Systems, Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4BU, United Kingdom)

Abstract

This article relates Archer's morphogenetic approach, derived from the philosophical tradition of critical realism, to the use of information and communication technology in organizations. Three gains are seen to accrue from this approach: greater clarity about the material properties of technology, links to broader structural conditions arising from the conceptualization of the relationship between agency and structure, and the potential to explore the importance of reflexivity in contemporary organizations, especially in conditions of the widespread use of information and communication technology. The importance of disaggregating the artifacts of this technology into levels and features is stressed to enable analysis to explore the specific impacts of particular combinations. This is developed through a discussion of data warehousing in connection with the attention being given to the importance of analytics in organizational strategies. Key features are in wider aspects of the cultural and structural context, demonstrating the fruitfulness of a morphogenetic approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Alistair Mutch, 2010. "Technology, Organization, and Structure---A Morphogenetic Approach," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 21(2), pages 507-520, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:21:y:2010:i:2:p:507-520
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1090.0441
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    4. Svensson, Oscar & Nikoleris, Alexandra, 2018. "Structure reconsidered: Towards new foundations of explanatory transitions theory," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 462-473.
    5. Honggang Dong & Brian Yim & James J. Zhang, 2020. "Organizational Structure, Public-Private Relationships, and Operational Performance of Large-Scale Stadiums: Evidence from Local Governments in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-17, September.
    6. Tamim Elbasha & Alex Wright, 2017. "Reconciling structure and agency in strategy -as-practice research: Towards a strong- structuration theory approach," Post-Print hal-01557268, HAL.
    7. François-Xavier de Vaujany & Nathalie Mitev & Matthew Smith & Isabelle Walsh, 2017. "Renewing Literature Reviews in MIS Research? A Critical Realist Approach," Working Papers hal-01648133, HAL.
    8. François-Xavier de Vaujany & Vladislav Fomin & Kalle Lyytinen & Stefan Haefliger, 2013. "Sociomaterial regulation in organizations: The case of information technology," Post-Print hal-01648122, HAL.
    9. Martin Bichler & Ulrich Frank & David Avison & Julien Malaurent & Peter Fettke & Dirk Hovorka & Jan Krämer & Daniel Schnurr & Benjamin Müller & Leena Suhl & Bernhard Thalheim, 2016. "Theories in Business and Information Systems Engineering," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 58(4), pages 291-319, August.
    10. Mirani, Rajesh, 2013. "A case study of morphogenetic change in long-term offshoring," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(4), pages 663-673.
    11. Struijk, Mylène, 2023. "IT Governance in the digital era : Insights from meta-organizations," Other publications TiSEM a6f02085-ff68-427f-b65a-8, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.

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