BOOK REVIEW: "Information and Communication Technologies, Society and Human Beings" Edited by Darek M. Haftor and Anita Mirijamdotter

Abstract

This volume provides a multi perspective analysis of the deployment of information and communication technologies. Multiple perspectives theory which was introduced by Harold A. Linstone argues that there are always three perspectives which should be considered in making decisions: technical, personal and organizational. This becomes more important in the case of technologies as we tend to focus on technical elements and ignore the rest. We teach many of such cases in our classes. The perspectives analyzed in this book are the personal and organizational ones. The chapters are written by a balanced group of authors from Europe, Asia and the US. The first three sections focus on the personal elements of information and communication technologies. The chapters explore the interaction of these technologies, human beings and the society. They delve into how psychological elements play into the adoption of such technologies. Then the following sections consider the organizational elements and they study the changing organizational structures due to the institutionalization of these technologies. A specific section introduced virtual education and collaboration such as e-conferences. A large section studies how the society is evolving into the information and communication society. The book ends with sections on the ethical elements and emerging topics. Overall the book would fit to a course on technology and society. It would also be a good grounding text for those of use thinking to conduct research in this area.