From Use to Effective Use: A Representation Theory Perspective

Abstract

Information systems must be used effectively to obtain maximum benefits from them. However, despite a great deal of research on when and why systems are used, very little research has examined what effective system use involves and what drives it. To move from use to effective use requires understanding an information system's nature and purpose, which in turn requires a theory of information systems. We draw on representation theory, which states that an information system is made up of several structures that serve to represent some part of the world that a user and other stakeholders must understand. From this theory, we derive a high-level framework of how effective use and performance evolve, as well as specific models of the nature and drivers of effective use. The models are designed to explain the effective use of any information system and offer unique insights that would not be offered by traditional views, which tend to consider information systems to be just another tool. We explain how our theory extends existing research, provides a rich platform for research on effective use, and how it contributes back to the theory of information systems from which it was derived.

Physicians' Use of Mandatory Information Systems: An Exploratory Research in German Hospitals

“…However, it seems to be widely accepted that "even when use is required, variability in the quality and intensity of this use is likely to have a significant impact on the realization of the system benefits" [43, p.5]. This is due to the fact that even in mandatory settings the extend of system use varies by user [19,37].…”

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“…These said studies suggest that to make successful IS implementation, majority of organisational members must use the implemented IS in an effective and efficient manner to facilitate full implementation of the system into the organisational settings. More recently, Burton-Jones & Grange (2012) also highlight the importance of the "effective use", a concept to helping organisations achieving their goals for implementing and IS. Work of Bagayogo, Lapointe & Bassellier (2014) complements Burton-Jones & Grange's (2012) view of effective IT use.…”

“…More recently, Burton-Jones & Grange (2012) also highlight the importance of the "effective use", a concept to helping organisations achieving their goals for implementing and IS. Work of Bagayogo, Lapointe & Bassellier (2014) complements Burton-Jones & Grange's (2012) view of effective IT use. Bagayogo et al (2014) provide insights into the dynamics involved in user interactions with IS by offering a slightly different conceptualisation to effective use.…”

Digital Competence: A Multi-dimensional Conceptualization and a Typology in an SME Context

“…These practices entail contextual knowledge and certain beliefs and values about ICT. In other words, ICT needs to be appropriated by social actors that engage in the role of change agent [7,25] The multi-dimension conceptualization of the DC is illustrated in Figure 1. The proposed conceptualization of DC entails a critical understanding of three complementary and co-existing areas of application or competence areas, i.e.…”

“…One thing that should be highlighted, is that most past IS studies on individual DC had a relatively narrow and specific conceptualization of user [25]. This approach is not wrong, however, in the 21 st century, this perspective is too limited and tends to put more emphasis on technological aspects of ICT use and limiting consideration of other aspects, such as social environment sensibility and cognitive capabilities, on effective use of ICT [7].…”