Section 1.3: Bullet Text Study Guide

Contemporary Approaches to Information Systems

Information systems are sociotechnical systems. Although they are composed of machines, devices, and "hard" physical technology, they require substantial social, organizational, and intellectual investments to make them work properly. Since problems with information systems—and their solutions—are rarely all technical or behavioral, a multidisciplinary approach is needed.

Figure 1-9


FIGURE 1-9 CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The study of information systems deals with issues and insights contributed from technical and behavioral disciplines.

The technical approach emphasizes mathematically based, normative models to study information systems, as well as the physical technology and formal capabilities of these systems. The behavioral approach, a growing part of the information systems field, does not ignore technology, but tends to focus on non-technical solutions concentrating instead on changes in attitudes, management and organizational policy, and behavior.

MIS combines the work of computer science, management science, and operations research with a practical orientation toward developing system solutions to real-world problems and managing information technology resources. It is also concerned with behavioral issues surrounding the development, use, and impact of information systems, which are typically discussed in the fields of sociology, economics, and psychology

In the sociotechnical view of systems, optimal organizational performance is achieved by jointly optimizing both the social and technical systems used in production. Adopting a sociotechnical systems perspective helps to avoid a purely technological approach to information systems.

Technology must be changed and designed, sometimes even "de-optimized," to fit organizational and individual needs. Organizations and individuals must also be changed through training, learning, and planned organizational change to allow technology to operate and prosper.

Figure 1-10


FIGURE 1-10 A SOCIOTECHNICAL PERSPECTIVE ON INFORMATION SYSTEMS
In a sociotechnical perspective, the performance of a system is optimized when both the technology and the organization mutually adjust to one another until a satisfactory fit is obtained.