ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an historical and theoretical background to the evolution and adoption of information technology (IT). The historical background starts by defining and conceptualizing digitalization—a word often used without a clear meaning. Then follows an historical overview where we first reflect upon older forms of IT and then explain six forms of organizational learning that an organization goes through when appropriating digital technology. The later parts of the historical background are composed of a description of four waves of digitalization from the middle of the last century until today. These different waves explain how digital technologies have evolved from being large and standalone units that enabled automation to the more present forms that have the potential to transform organizations, markets, and societies. Particular attention is paid to organizational consequences of the advancement of digitalization as well as discussion of current trends. The second part of the chapter explores the three different types of theoretical streams that have been used in studies of technology and organizing during the last 60 years: Technology imperativ, Organizational imperativ, and Entanglement-in-practic perspective. These three different theoretical lenses afford three different rationales of how technology influences change and organizing.
