The Political Economy of Information Management

Abstract

Information system development is often seen as a rational process of consecutive design activities aimed at integrated information systems. Especially in settings where actors with varying interests operate, like in the development and use of so-called interorganizational information systems, these rational approaches rarely result in satisfying outcomes. In this chapter, the development of a Research Information System is analyzed in terms of alternative, political views on information management. It is concluded that integration of data schemes should not be an aim for information system development, especially for situations in which interests and objectives vary considerably. Furthermore, in such situations, information system development should be managed as a process in which various stakeholders enter and leave arenas, rather than as a project.