e04dfd73_UKAIS_2003__Abstracts__Title
[ID#] 16 [Author(s)] Coombs, C. R.; Doherty, N. F.; Loan-Clarke J. [Abstract] It has long been recognised that the implementation of information systems can impact upon organisational culture and that problems may arise in situations where the cultural assumptions embedded within a system conflict with the host organisation�s culture. However, there has, to date, been little empirical research in this area, particularly with respect to the potential of systems to either facilitate empowerment or reinforce a control orientation. The current study investigates the cultural impacts of a standard software application, within a homogenous organisational sector, namely NHS Community Trusts. A multiple case-study design incorporating five Community Healthcare Trusts was utilised. The study found that whilst the system was perceived as facilitating empowerment in two trusts, it was felt to be reinforcing management control in another trust; there was no significant cultural change in the other trusts. Moreover, there was strong evidence to suggest that the contribution of the systems that facilitated empowerment was perceived to be far more positive than in those instances where the system reinforced a control orientation. [Title] 
Empowerment versus Control? A study of the cultural impact of Information Systems in NHS Community Trusts.
UKAIS 2003: Abstracts
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