Summary: | Downsizing, reinventing government and technological change are the external forces which have created the turbulent environment for public and private organizations. Information technology provides tools which allow organizations to react constructively to this turbulence. However, there is evidence that despite investments in new information technologies, productivity and profitability within the United States has fallen. A conventional explanation is that technological change is moving faster than humans are able to change in order to exploit the advances in technology. Those uncomfortable with new technologies feel threatened and do not use them to their full potential. If the information technology is not integrated into the organization's strategy, structure, and management processes, management will not be able to capitalize on its technology investment. This thesis presents a thorough literature review and case study research of a Department of the Navy organization, to answer the question: How can organization managers ensure their investment in information technology will increase organizational effectiveness, measured in terms of increased productivity?
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