Implementation of Information Technology: A Time-Space Perspective

This paper has two broad objectives. First, to emphasize the importance of integrating a time-space analysis into the body of information technology (IT) implementation research. This is done by discussing two evolutionary trends currently visible in the IS research domain: one, a shifting emphasis towards the use of more integrative approaches of study from those that were largely functional and reductionist; and two, the increasing acceptance of interpretiv ism as a basis for studying IS in organizations. The role of time and space is discussed in terms of how its analysis can contribute to strengthen further and refine existing thought. The second objective is to develop a framework which will allow the integration of a time-space analysis into IT research, and thus enable a more holistic and coherent view of the implementation problem. To build this framework, Harvey's (1989) ideas on the role of space and time in the structuring of spatial practices are drawn upon and expanded. The frame work represents an analytical scheme developed around the relationships between technology, time-space, and social structure. The study contributes to organization and IT studies in two ways. One, it provides a novel way of understanding how the social context and processes of technology implementa tion may relate to each other. Two, by explicitly acknowledging the multiple subjective-objective elements of time-space inherent in various social prac tices, the framework provides certain broad guidelines regarding areas for empirical investigation.