Abstract
Information systems development is a multifaceted process, embodying elements of rational design together with varying degrees of organisational negotiation, and yet the methods and tools which are used to focus development efforts often encourage developers to over-emphasise the rational design element and overlook the organisational context and stakeholder perceptions against which development is taking place. In other words, the machine metaphor of organisations tends to dominate debate on both the development process and the form of organisational change that is being sought. In this paper alternative metaphors of organisations are reviewed and incidents from CASE field work used to show that both the political and cultural metaphors are appropriate and may provide valuable insights into the emerging course of events. Given this understanding, the role of tools is reconsidered and a multimedia tool described that may provide more substantial support to IS developers than the current-generation products by making the interplay of stakeholder interests a key element when considering IS development. The paper concludes with a report on the first experience of tool use.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
