Information systems development as social action: Theoretical perspective and practice

Information systems development (ISD) continues to receive considerable attention in the literature. Much of it, however, simply perpetuates the myth that ISD should somehow be conceived in technical terms. This paper, challenges this view by presenting systems development as a form of social action. The hypothesis offered is that ISD can be more effectively understood by applying seven basic building blocks of social action theories: Knowledge, Power, Subjective Meanings, Human Interests, Consensus, Conflict, and Resistance. It is the interplay of these seven elements which make up the fundamental basis of systems development. To show that the present understanding of ISD is enhanced through viewing it as social action, it presents evidence from four case studies. It is shown that the practice of systems development is reflected in the notion of social action; more specifically, that it makes sense to view information systems development as social action.