Distinguishing characteristics of organizations using computers

Organizations have been using computers and other advanced information technologies for more than a decade, yet there remain many which are slow in adopting these technological innovations. This paper identifies characteristics that distinguish organizations using computers from those that do not, based on data collected from a survey of the U.K. service sector. The survey findings indicate that large organizations and organizations in the financial sector are more likely to use computers. Organizations using computers tend to have more formalization in communications and procedures, a higher growth rate, and a higher percentage of secretarial and clerical workers. A classification scheme based on the findings is proposed for identifying the potential for applications of information technology in an organization.