A Foucauldian Reflection on Critical Systems Thinking

Valero-Silva, N

doi:10.1007/978-0-585-34651-9_4

Cited by 13 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…After the research team withdrew its participation from the project (based on our own ethical values as explained above), it seemed that an appropriate topic to address was that of power and how it was influencing the ethics of IS planning processes (Córdoba, 2002). In CST, the notion of power has been explored, and the ideas of Michel Foucault (1977; 1982; 1984a, c) have been put forward to inform social interventions (Flood, 1990; Valero‐Silva, 1996; Vega‐Romero, 1999). Foucault talks about the constitution of individuals as subjects of power.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Critical reflection in planning information systems: a contribution from critical systems thinking

Córdoba¹

2009

Information Systems Journal

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This paper presents a methodological framework to support the process of information systems (IS) planning in organizations. It draws on the ideas of critical systems thinking (CST), a research perspective that encourages the analysis of stakeholders' understandings prior to the selection and implementation of planning methods. The framework emphasizes continuous identification of concerns from stakeholders, and facilitates critical reflection in the exploration of possibilities for improvement. Some of these possibilities might require the support of IS and communication technologies. To define the framework, two systems theories are used: boundary critique and autopoiesis. The first one enables critical reflection on values and assumptions about potential situations or marginalization. The second one fosters continuous dialogue, listening and mutual collaboration between participants. With these theories, the framework enables people to reflect on issues of inclusion, exclusion and marginalization, and to participate in the design of plans for improvement. Ultimately, the definition of this framework suggests the importance of critical reflection about ethics to improve the practice of IS planning.Organizations are currently using information technologies (IT) as a necessity for survival. The times when IT and information systems (IS) associated were considered rare, a luxury or even advantage are past. With increasing collaboration and new forms of networking (Castells, 1996), the use of IS can open new opportunities for communication and interaction. For IS planning, new technologies and ways of working bring new challenges for organizations. Their rapid incorporation to business processes makes it difficult to reflect on the thinking that underpins the definition of plans to design and implement IS in organizations (Galliers, 2004).

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Critical reflection in planning information systems: a contribution from critical systems thinking

Córdoba¹

2009

Information Systems Journal

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“…As Valero-Silva has pointed out, it is important to note that most of the CST literature through the mid-1980s to mid-1990s almost exclusively drew upon the work of Habermas for its critical inquiry (Valero-Silva, 1996). Indeed, although there have been calls for increased pluralism recently (see a future special issue of the Journal of Information Technology) on the whole the impact of Habermasian thinking within CST still remains.…”

Section: Waving Not Drowning?mentioning

confidence: 96%

“…This undermines the notion of critical inquiry at the same time as Foucault's critical attitude of 'constant checking' would seem to undermine the very usefulness of the bridge building project itself. Certainly, unless CST is prepared to undertake a form of selfcritique then it cannot be considered fully 'critical' (Valero-Silva, 1996) and just the same assertion applies to critical IS inquiry. Thus, we return to the theme with which we opened this paper: what does it mean to be 'critical' in IS research?…”

Section: Complementarism Versus Confusionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…It is reasonable to suggest that any line of research that seeks to use a normatively articulated framework will tend to favour a Habermasian approach rather than a Foucauldian one. As suggested earlier, the impact of CST upon the eld of critical IS inquiry today is noticeable and one of their current concerns is the search for new methodologies and the practical means with which to apply critical theory (Valero-Silva, 1996). It has also been argued that CST is mainly inspired by managerial interests and practices rather than by a critique of theory and practice (Valero-Silva, 2001).…”

Section: Complementarism Versus Confusionmentioning

confidence: 97%

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What does it Mean to be ‘Critical’ in is Research?

Brooke

2002

Journal of Information Technology

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The main aim of this paper is to explore what it means to conduct 'critical' research in IS. In order to begin this, it is necessary to look beyond the scope of IS inquiry itself to other disciplines, especially organizational analysis. A preliminary review is made of the state of critical thinking in the elds of information systems and organization. In addressing the question 'what is critical research?' the paper shows how de nitions have changed and broadened over time.In critical research more generally it has been suggested that there are several major weaknesses in theory and application. Two key themes in particular need further attention. They are emancipation and power relations. The paper outlines some of the reasons why these two issues have been highlighted and discusses their relevance within the context of critical IS research.A recent emerging trend is identi ed towards the use of Habermas in the speci c area of critical IS inquiry. Some of the reasons for this apparent trend are considered and the main features of thinking as applied in this regard are summarized and commented on. Finally, the paper argues that unless we wish to become locked into a Habermasian discourse, IS research must continue to push beyond this thinking in order to enrich our work. The work of Foucault is used to illustrate how the weaknesses identi ed in critical theory at the beginning of this paper might be addressed. It concludes by contrasting the contributions made by Habermas and Foucault to critical research in IS. What is critical information systems research?Traditionally, critical theory has been described as a form of historical materialism and is much in uenced by issues of class, ethnicity, and gender. Critical theory tends to view situations through a lens of local domination by powers-that-be, with the potential for localized resistance. Hegemony is a characteristic, with con ict and contradictory tensions featuring in the analysis. It is generally agreed that critical theory has substantial (though not exclusive) roots in the Frankfurt School of the late 1920s. This intellectual movement was a reaction to the perceived domination of thinking at the time by positivism and can be understood against a backdrop of a post-Enlightenment, Modernist social context. Key thinkers include Theodor Adorno, Erich Fromm, Max Horkheimer, Jürgen Habermas and Herbert Marcuse.The Frankfurt School identi ed taken-for-granted assumptions about aspects of their contemporary society and argued that their form and nature were shaped by existing social and historical contexts. They also highlighted that the very ways in which such shaping was recorded and represented were themselves the product of their time, and could (and should) be called into question. This has given rise to critical theory's claim to be able to mount a self-critique of its own knowledge claims as well as to be able to mount a critique of social conditions. Underlying the focus of the Frankfurt School was the desire not only to expose inadequacies in society but...

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“…In the UK, they had a large part to play in the development of the newlynationalised industries-most famously, coal and steel (see, for example, Jones, 1992). However, over the years, many writers found 106 Interestingly, Valero-Silva (1998) argues that the practice of the early operational researchers was not too far removed from scientific management: they both assumed the validity of using mathematical techniques to optimise efficiency and effectiveness. Valero-Silva suggests that it was only possible to establish operational research as having a separate identity because of the closeness of those war-time researchers to government.…”

Section: Operational Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%