The dynamics of IT boundary objects, information infrastructures, and organisational identities: the introduction of 3D modelling technologies into the architecture, engineering, and construction industry

Abstract

In recent years, more companies engage in collaborative cross-organisational practices to achieve their business objectives. To cooperate effectively across boundaries requires organisations to overcome the tension between their distinct backgrounds and the need to create shared understandings with their partners for collaboration. This requires the creation of shared artefacts such as boundary objects. Whereas the past work on boundary objects has highlighted their role as translation devices, we examine them in relation to the information infrastructures within which they are embedded, and the identities of the organisations that use them. We propose a model that outlines the relationships among the three concepts and illustrate its dynamics by presenting two case studies that describe the introduction of three-dimensional modelling technologies into the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Based on the case studies we suggest that boundary objects, in addition to facilitating cross-organisational communication, also help to form organisational identities. We further suggest the occurrence of a process whereby changes in boundary objects enable changes in information infrastructures and identities in one organisation. These changes, in turn, create the conditions for change in bordering organisations through shared boundary objects and boundary practices.

Barriers and facilitators for BIM use among Swedish medium-sized contractors - “We wait until someone tells us to use it”

“…When the adoption of ICT has been studied, a wide range of theoretical frameworks has been applied to explain adoption and use of ICT. Some of these frameworks include the technology acceptance model, institutional theory, and social identity (see e.g., Gal et al 2008).…”

Changing Boundaries and Evolving Organizational Forms in Football: Novelty and Variety Among Scottish Clubs

“…An important insight from boundary object research it that there is no need for the social worlds associated with a football club to reach consensus prior to engagement or collaboration (Boland & Tenkasi, 1995;Star & Griesemer, 1989): a perception of future achievable mutual outcomes may be sufficient. Gal et al (2008) highlight how change in boundary objects in turn enable change in both the infrastructures and the social identities of groups. As such, the boundary object forms and reforms relationships with the social identities of groups with which it shares common boundaries and with elements of the social infrastructure within which it is embedded.…”

“…Social infrastructure is a term used to define that which is required to make something else run or operate (Star & Ruhleder, 1996) and often consists of a series of taken for granted standardized practices, modes of communication, artefacts and interfaces. However, what is taken for granted in one social world may mean something different in other social worlds, creating the potential for conflict when these social worlds overlap in interface areas (Gal et al, 2008).…”

Who do you think you are? A review of the complex interplay between information systems, identification and identity

“…The findings from the case study showed that user-identity can both inhibit and enable assimilation. Gal et al (2008) studied the implementation of three-dimensional technologies into the architecture industry. They proposed a model to outline the relationship among information systems, information infrastructures and organisational identities and suggested that the systems help to form organisational identities and enable cross-organisational change.…”

“…For instance, Lamb & Davidson (2005) described the transformations in the professional identities of groups of scientists associated with the introduction of a new information system. Similarly, Gal et al (2008) studied the transformations in the identity of an organisation in the American architecture industry as it adopted new systems while Walsham (1998) and Barrett & Walsham (1999) explored the links between the introduction of new information and communications technologies and changes in the identities of groups of professionals in the London Insurance Market. This kind of research can enrich our understanding of how individuals, groups and organisations incorporate technologyenabled changes in their environment into ongoing identity work; how new technologies get interpreted and feed into the way people perceive themselves and their organisations; how ongoing enactments of organisational interactions, practices and identities are influenced by the introduction of new technologies; and what role existing identities play in sense-making processes of new technologies.…”