You Say You Want a Revolution? “Information Technology” in Organizations

FEW cultural phenomena have been more anticipated or subject to more speculation than the coming of the “information society,” or, in its alternative forms, the “communications revolution” or the revolution in “information technology” (Bell, 1979; The Conference Board, 1972; Evans, 1979; Toffler, 1980). The combination of computer and communication technologies is seen by many as a potent force for cultural change, and the shape and direction of such change is being explored not only in the United States, but in Japan, France, Great Britain, and in the context of the Third World (Barron & Curnow, 1979; Masuda, 1981; Servan-Schreiber, 1980; Simon & Mine, 1981 ). One cultural arena in which the influence of this revolution in information technology is being felt immediately and pervasively is the organizational arena (Amara, 1981; Keen, 1981 ). For example, one organization suggests that “ the rate of introduction of information technology in the 1980’s will make this the central issue for company executives in this decade.” ¹