THE PROCESS OF INDIVIDUAL CHANGE IN IT IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

The article examines individual change when IT is implemented. Organizational changes are centered in the IT implementation, and these only happen if people change, hence the importance of this topic. This is a theoretical article, whose objective is to highlight some knowledge gaps and situate the understanding of individual change as a contribution to the understanding of IT implementation, theme that guides the ongoing investigation. The choice of texts was based on current referrals in the field of Information Systems, quality of publications, theory focus and the contribution to the theme. Three approaches on implementation are examined, focusing the relation between individuals and technology, and individual change: the Structurational Model of InformationTechnology, the Hospitality Metaphor, and one called in the approach article based on Moral Positioning. A model of individual change process is presented, and the cognitive and affection concepts, part of the process, restricted. The contribution analysis shows the need to amplify the understanding on IT implementation, including affection factors. The nature of the individual change process reinforces this position, showing cognitive and affection aspects in a narrow relation, and that these emotions are essential in unchaining individual changes. The question posed is that new understandings require rethinking the way implementations are conducted, and traditional change management. In the last chapter, we summarize some ideas and suggest some research themes.