Temporal effects of information systems on business processes: focusing on the dimensions of temporality

Abstract

This study investigates how information systems affect the temporality of business processes in organizations. It is first described how the dimensions of temporality were developed. Among the many dimensions based on other studies, eleven dimensions were selected for our purposes in investigating the external temporality in the first instance and tracing changes in temporality. We then identified six dimensions (duration, sequence, temporal location, deadline, cycle and rhythm) which could effectively assess the temporal effects of information systems. We used them to describe and analyse temporal changes which resulted from the implementation of Korea Trade Network in two case companies. Through the case study, this paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of information systems and temporality in organizational contexts. Differential cycles, polychronicity and changes in inter-personal or inter-departmental relations mediated by temporal shifts are presented for their implications on time, work and information systems.