ABSTRACT
The literature consistently views organizational dynamics in terms of the agendas and actions of powerful individuals and emphasizes the need to recognize information as a political resource that can be threatening. Projects designed to strengthen the role of information in decision making depend, therefore, on the support of those in power and can easily be jeopardized by their opposition. The case studies of computer use in six Tunisian municipalities indicate that some of the concerns in the literature may be the influence of foreign aid, rather than characteristics of Third World automation. In organizations like the Tunisian cities, where automation is already considered worthwhile and public officials are willing to invest in it, foreign assistance could play a new role. First and foremost, donors would provide technical assistance and, perhaps, funds for information-systems planning. Second, foreign donors should provide direct subsidies for initial capital investments rather than for any operating expenses.
