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The recent US election as an information system case study

Author

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  • Heng, Michael S.H.

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculteit der Economische Wetenschappen en Econometrie (Free University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics Sciences, Business Administration and Economitrics)

Abstract

This paper adopts an information systems perspective to study the recent American presidential election. The election may be seen as a decision making process to choose the leader to represent the wishes and interests of the people. The system supporting the process is an information system, with information technology, inputs, outputs, users, human operators, procedures, assumptions, and goals. The information system is supposed to serve as an objective instrument to support the decision making process of political election. But its functioning is deeply embedded in the political life, with its history, institutions, procedures, norms and strengths and flaws. The output of the system is thus a good enough answer, rather than the most accurate answer. All these aspects feature prominently in the recent election. In addition, the impasse in Florida reveals several problems; the more important ones are (1) the controversy surrounding voting cards that not clearly punched (2) the use of outdated technology, (3) the tension between democratic ideal and legal and political expediency.

Suggested Citation

  • Heng, Michael S.H., 2001. "The recent US election as an information system case study," Serie Research Memoranda 0012, VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Econometrics.
    • Handle: RePEc:vua:wpaper:2001-12
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    interpretation; meaning; socially embedded; history; truth; procedures; political expediency; American presidential election.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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