A realist conceptualization of the IT artifact

Research output: Contribution to book or proceedingConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The IT Artifact (ITA) has largely been implicitly conceptualized in IS research (Orlikowski and Iacono 2001). This paper proposes a theoretical conceptualization from a Critical Realist standpoint. First, it reviews the extant literature and identifies gaps. The, it defines the IT artifact as an assemblage of IT hardware, software and networking equipment designed to extend human capabilities in processing symbols situated in a particular work system. Further, it proposes that the IT artifact be considered as a real technological entity with limited malleability and interpretive flexibility. Furthermore, it proposes that the ITA is a non-reflexive actor which can act as a tool, proxy or novelty (Collins and Kusch 1998) in relationship to people. Additional work needs to be performed develop a theory of how this social integration is achieved. Additional implications are drawn for research and practice.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication17th Americas Conference on Information Systems 2011, AMCIS 2011
Pages4194
Number of pages1
StatePublished - 2011
Event17th Americas Conference on Information Systems 2011, AMCIS 2011 - Detroit, MI, United States
Duration: Aug 4 2011Aug 8 2011

Publication series

Name17th Americas Conference on Information Systems 2011, AMCIS 2011
Volume5

Conference

Conference17th Americas Conference on Information Systems 2011, AMCIS 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDetroit, MI
Period08/4/1108/8/11

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Information Systems
  • Library and Information Sciences

Keywords

  • Artifact as an actor
  • Critical realism
  • IT artifact

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