Examining technology, structure and identity during an Enterprise System implementation

Abstract

This paper presents a longitudinal study of an Enterprise System (ES) implementation by critically examining the discursive context in which an ES implementation unfolds. The findings show that users strongly supported the ES in the earlier stage of implementation when the technology was an imaginary phenomenon. However, in later stages, when the technology is in use, user support was not consistent. In this phase the ES produces loss of control and an inability to function as an arbiter of fairness (in allocating resources associated with the system) thereby directly challenging existing professional identities and roles. These outcomes, in turn, generate acts of resistance on the part of workers. Users reach inside the technology and reshape it by devising creative workarounds that produce a sense of reskilling to counter the deskilling produced by the loss of control and power. The analysis also shows that an ES is a complex social phenomenon that is intricately linked to and complicit in shaping organizational structure and identity. In particular this study shows how technology, structure, and identity are in a mutually constitutive relationship.

Video diary as a means for data gathering with children – Encountering identities in the making

“…The aspect of identity construction and exploration has been addressed also in other studies within ICT research, these studies arguing that designers' identities influence the design process and outcome (Kilker, 1999;Levina, 2005;McDonough, 1999) and designers create the conditions for users' identity performances (McDonough, 1999;Van House, 2011). It has also been pointed out that ICT use contributes to people's identities (Alvarez, 2008;Burnett and McKinley, 1998;Carroll et al, 2001;Van House, 2011) but ICT may also be modified by users to reflect their identities (Akah and Bardzell, 2010;Alvarez, 2008;Light, 2011, Oulasvirta andBlom, 2007). Some technologies have even been considered as identity technologies -used for expressing or even forcing identity (Light, 2011;Oulasvirta and Blom, 2007;Van House, 2011).…”

The Effects of Industry Classification on a Successful ERP Implementation Model

“…System costs largely disappear when they are more than offset by the benefits of successful system implementation and functioning. Sub-optimal system implementation experiences are largely eliminated when bestpractice protocols are observed [19,20]. Among the three reasons listed above that fuel the controversy that surrounds ERP systems, the most perplexing appears to be sub-optimal experiences with the ERP system implementation process.…”

Digital Innovation and the Becoming of an Organizational Identity

“…The role of technological innovation, and how it affects the process of identity formation internal and external to the organization has been investigated in multiple contexts [2,28]. [2] focuses on the role of enterprise systems implementation on identities and shows that the change in power and roles triggered by the implementation of an ERP system challenges professional identities.…”

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