Theorizing Information Systems as Evolving Technology

Abstract

Abstract:Information systems scholars have struggled with the field's fundamental relationship to technology. In particular, they have debated whether the IT artifact is unwisely taken for granted and whether or not it lies at the field's core. Here, applying Brian Arthur's general theory of technology, I suggest that one may theorize IS itself as an evolving family of technologies. From this perspective, one may open new avenues for IS research-for, in particular, historical and other related studies where the unit of analysis is the technology itself and the focus is its evolution.

Technology as Routine Capability

“…(p. 49). However, its application to very different engineered means, such as information systems, where the notion of what effect or phenomenon is being harnessed is more subtle, and is anchored in human behavior, is arguably more problematic (Swanson, 2015).…”

“…Here we develop an overarching perspective to address this question, building from the work of others. In what follows, we first consider technology as device, relying on Arthur (2009), and drawing from Swanson (2015). We then extend this view to what will be termed technology as routine capability.…”