Variations in users' definitions of an information system

doi:10.1016/0378-7206(93)90018-O

Information & Management

Volume 24, Issue 4, April 1993, Pages 227-234

https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-7206(93)90018-O Get rights and content

Abstract

Information systems (IS) are complex and abstract. When users are asked to evaluate “the system,” there is no guarantee that they will all be thinking about the same object. Laboratory research has shown that differences in the way an IS is defined affect users' evaluations of the system. If such variations exist in the field (that is, if the term “the system” invokes different images in the minds of different users), they might affect user evaluations. This paper reports a study of variations in users' definitions of a human resource information system. There were significant variations in opinions about what the IS was. Most users were certain that their definitions were correct, even though they disagreed with one another. Users with more IS-related expertise included fewer objects in the system than less expert users. The findings have implications for MIS research and management. In particular, developers should provide each user with a definition of an IS from the time of their first contact with the system. The definition should be aligned with the organizational responsibilities of the developers.

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^∗: Kieran Mathieson is an Assistant Professor of MIS at Oakland University. He received his doctorate from Indiana University. His research focuses on the manner in which beliefs about information systems are formed, and the factors individuals consider when deciding whether to use information systems.

²: BITNET: MATHIESON @ OAKLAND

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SOSVariations in users' definitions of an information system

Abstract

Information Processing and Management

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology

Development of a tool for measuring and analyzing computer user satisfaction

Management Science

The social construction of reality

Information technology, information systems and information management: definition and development

European Journal of Information Systems

The Systems Approach

The origins and meanings of liberal/conservative self-identification

American Journal of Political Science

User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models

Management Science

Business Research Methods

On the power and functionality of attitudes: the role of attitude accessibility

SOS
Variations in users' definitions of an information system