The Wicked Relationship Between Organisations and Information Technology

Abstract

The concept of the “wicked problem” is useful in coming to terms with any studies, which involve people, organisations and information technology. It helps to define the shortcomings of traditional positivist approaches in areas which display social complexity. This paper describes how the relationship between an organisation’s business processes and its legacy IT systems is considered under the RAMESES project as a wicked problem. The way in which this conceptualisation has led the authors to adopt the grounded theory methodology is discussed. The particular, detailed method undertaken within this framework is outlined; some results presented and conclusions about the success of the approach are drawn.