A Social Interactionist Perspective on Computer Implementation

Abstract

Abstract The rapid increase in the availability of information technology to planning agencies has raised important questions about the likely effects of these systems on planning practice. Much of this debate has centred around geographic information systems (GIS); yet, for planning practitioners attempting to apply and to derive benefits from this technology, the literature undoubtedly has limitations. This discussion argues that the pivotal relationship is that between the computing technology and its organizational context. This relationship is explored by demonstrating how differing assumptions alter one's understanding of the underlying processes and thus influence expectations about the ease of implementation and the role of computer technology in planning. These differences in assumptions are summarized in three perspectives on implementation: technological determinism, managerial rationalism, and social interactionism. The discussion concludes by examining the implications of the social interactionist perspective for effective computer implementation.