The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the ESRC PICT Programme and the Leverhulme Trust. We are also grateful for the comments of Hugh Willmott, the editors, and anonymous referees.
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, CONTROL AND POWER: THE CENTRALIZATION AND DECENTRALIZATION DEBATE REVISITED†
Article first published online: 5 MAY 2007
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6486.1992.tb00674.x
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Bloomfield, B. P. and Coombs, R. (1992), INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, CONTROL AND POWER: THE CENTRALIZATION AND DECENTRALIZATION DEBATE REVISITED. Journal of Management Studies, 29: 459. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6486.1992.tb00674.x
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Publication History
- Issue published online: 5 MAY 2007
- Article first published online: 5 MAY 2007
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ABSTRACT
This article addresses the conceptualization of power in relation to the use of computers in organizations. Commonly held views that the application of computer based information systems leads to either a centralization or a decentralization of power and control, or that computers merely reinforce the power of dominant actors, are criticized, and an alternative view is put forward which focuses on the symbolic and disciplinary dimensions of the development of information systems. This perspective is then illustrated in connection with the development of management information systems in the National Health Service.