Title: What is an Information System? A Critical Perspective
Abstract: What is an information system? From a critical perspective, the object of research in Information Systems (IS) may prove to be highly problematic. This paper will explore some of the concepts necessary for the development of a critical interpretation of what an information system is. This critical interpretation will draw extensively on the notion of the reification - of both technological products and of the socio-economic environment in which IS development and use takes place. It will also draw on the notion of instrumental reason – insofar as it is relevant to IS development and use. The research implications of these ideas will then be discussed; in particular, how critical research into information systems development and use might proceed, given a critical interpretation– rather than positivistic or interpretivistic ontology of information systems.
Publication Year: 2004
Publication Date: 2004-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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