A framework for organizational information systems

Abstract

The thesis wants to structure another framework because none of the mentioned works have provided, yet, a total perspective on the question. Although they have recognized the late developments in organization theory, the major importance of the environment, the complexity of the decision-making process, none, in my opinion, have fully exploited and developed these aspects. They have insisted on other aspects. This thesis does not have the pretention to develop such a total perspective. Rather it wants to stress certain questions most of the time unaccounted for in papers related to management information systems. The thesis hypothesised the poor or at least very partial results obtained in the domaine of management information systems are results of a lack of a proper framework. It is the intention of the thesis to take as point of departure. - a socio-technical open-system view of the organization. The thesis wants to assume this point of view in opposition to a way of viewing which in words recognizes this facet of the organization but ignores the consequences of it. - an environment which plays a positive and accepted role in the organization rather than a role of disturbance and frustration. - a view of decision-making more encompassing than the traditional synoptic conception of decision-making. It is hoped that, in doing so, the thesis will be in position to offer a framework possibly less categorical in the conclusions it can lead to, but more reflexive of the functionning of organizations. It will do it, even though it risks losing in simplicity and clarity in the exposition of the subject area.