Managerial Responsibility and IT: How Does the Use of Information Technology Change the Way Managers Have to Think and Realize Responsibility?

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between management, responsibility and information technology. It is shown that there are structural similarities between the three terms that facilitate addressing normative issues in the management of IT through the use of the concept of responsibility. That means that responsibility seems to be a perfect choice for dealing with ethical, moral, and legal problems arising from IT. However, there is also another aspect, the fact that the use of IT can pose a threat to managerial responsibility ascriptions. The paper aims at clarifying the nature of these threats and opportunities. The knowledge about them should help managers maximise their chances of successfully discharging their responsibilities in IT.