The emergence of open source software (OSS) has changed the philosophy and practice of software development, implementation and ownership; a phenomenon which also has influenced interpretations, actions and behaviors of organizational members. This research explicates the interpretations and subsequent actions of key stakeholder groups towards OSS during the implementation of an OSS-based IS in a public sector organization in Ethiopia. Drawing upon the technological frames analytical framework, the study shows that the key stakeholder groups interpreted openness of the software and the community model of software implementation differently leading them to entertain divergent actions. Users were keen to solving operational problems via readymade IS with a third party support, while the management and technologists were focusing on the strategic importance of OSS not only to their own organization but also to the nation in general. Perception differences led to alliance formation, political processes, and change of management style. The study shows that as multiple interrelated elements shape the technological frames of groups, the relationship between frame incongruence and implementation is also complex and contextual. The study proposes technological frame analysis as an integral part of OSS implementation and a carefully crafted intervention to harness frame incongruence, if any.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.