Individual attitude toward improvisation in information systems developmentFootnote

Previous versions of this paper were accepted for presentation at AOM 2006, EGOS 2006 and ECIS 2006. The article was awarded the ‘Claudio Ciborra Best Paper Award’ at the 2nd Conference of the Italian Chapter Of AIS (itAIS), Verona, Italy.

References

• Aaen , I. . Challenging software process improvement design . European conference on information systems . June 6–8 , Gdańsk. Poland
   Google Scholar
• Ajzen , I. 2001 . Nature and operation of attitudes . Annual Review of Psychology , 52 : 27 – 58 .
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Avison , D. and Fitzgerald , G. 1999 . “ Information systems development ” . In Rethinking management information systems , Edited by: Currie , W. L. and Galliers , B. 250 – 278 . NY : Oxford University Press .
   Google Scholar
• Barrick , M. R. and Mount , M. K. 1991 . The big five personality dimensions and job performance: a meta-analysis . Personnel Psychology , 44 ( 1 ) : 1 – 26 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Baskerville , R. , Travis , J. and Truex , D. 1992 . “ Systems without method ” . In The impact of computer supported technologies on information systems development , Edited by: Kendall , K. , Lyytinen , K. and DeGross , J. 241 – 270 . Amsterdam : North-Holland .
   Google Scholar
• Benyon , D. and Skidmore , S. 1987 . Towards a tool kit for the systems analyst . The Computer Journal , 30 ( 1 ) : 2 – 7 .
   Google Scholar
• Bommer , M. and Jalajas , D. S. 1999 . The threat of organisational downsizing on the innovative propensity of R&D professionals . R&D Management , 29 ( 1 ) : 27 – 34 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Booth , M. and Philip , G. 2005 . Information systems management: role of planning, alignment and leadership . Behaviour & Information Technology , 24 ( 5 ) : 391 – 404 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Brown , S. L. and Eisenhardt , K. M. 1997 . The art of continuous change: linking complexity theory and time-paced evolution in relentlessly shifting organisations . Administrative Science Quarterly , 42 ( 1 ) : 1 – 34 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Burns , C. 1994 . Hairdos and videotape-informance design: using performance techniques in multi-disciplinary, observation based design . Proceedings of ACM CHI'94 conference on human factors in computing systems , 24–29 April : 119 – 120 . Vienna, 2
   Google Scholar
• Campion , M. A. , Papper , E. M. and Medsker , G. J. 1996 . Relations between work team characteristics and effectiveness: a replication and extension . Personnel Psychology , 49 : 429 – 452 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Capretz , L. F. 2003 . Personality types in software engineering . International Journal of Human-Computer Studies , 58 ( 2 ) : 207 – 214 .
   Google Scholar
• Ciborra , C. U. . From thinking to tinkering: the grass roots of strategic information systems . Proceedings of the international conference on information systems (ICIS) . 16–18 December , pp. 283 – 291 . New York
   Google Scholar
• Ciborra , C. U. 1996 . The platform organisation: recombining strategies, structures, and surprises . Organisation Science , 7 ( 2 ) : 103 – 118 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ciborra , C. U. 1999a . “ A theory of information systems based on improvisation ” . In Rethinking management information systems , Edited by: Currie , W. L. and Gallers , B. 136 – 155 . Oxford : Oxford University Press .
   Google Scholar
• Ciborra , C. U. 1999b . Notes on improvisation and time in organisations . Accounting, Management and Information Technologies , 9 : 77 – 94 .
   Google Scholar
• Ciborra , C. U. and Lanzara , G. F. 1990 . “ Designing dynamic artifacts: computer systems as formative contexts ” . In Symbols and artefacts: views of the corporate landscape , Edited by: Gagliardi , P. 147 – 169 . Berlin : De Gruyter .
   Google Scholar
• Coble , J. M. , Karat , J. and Kahn , M. G. 1997 . “ Maintaining a focus on user requirements throughout the development of clinical workstation software. In: ” . In CHI 1997 Atlanta, , Georgia
   Google Scholar
• Compeau , D. R. and Higgins , C. A. 1995 . Application of social cognitive theory to training for computer skills . Information Systems Research , 6 ( 2 ) : 118
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Conradi , R. and Fuggetta , A. 2002 . Improving software process improvement . IEEE Software , July/August : 1 – 9 .
   Google Scholar
• Crossan , M. and Sorrenti , M. 1997 . Making sense of improvisation . Advances in Strategic Management , 14 : 155 – 180 .
   Google Scholar
• Crossan , M. M. 1998 . Improvisation in action . Organisation Science , 9 ( 5 ) : 593 – 599 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Crossan , M. M. , Pina e Cunha , M. , Vera , D. and Cunha , J. 2005 . Time and organisational improvisation . Academy of Management Review , 30 : 129 – 145 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Damodaran , L. 1996 . User involvement in the systems design process-a practical guide for users . Behaviour & Information Technology , 15 ( 6 ) : 363 – 377 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Danis , C. and Karat , J. 1995 . “ Technology-driven design of speech recognition systems ” . In DIS 1995: Symposium on designing interactive systems Edited by: Olson , G. and Schuon , S. 17 – 24 . ACM New York
   Google Scholar
• Dayton , T. 1993 . ACM SIGCHI Bulletin , 25 ( 3 ) : 16 – 31 .
   Google Scholar
• Doherty , N. F. and King , M. 1998 . The consideration of organizational issues during the systems development process: an empirical analysis . Behaviour & Information Technology , 17 ( 1 ) : 41 – 51 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Eisenberger , R. , Fasolo , P. and Davis-LaMastro , V. 1990 . Perceived organisational support and employee diligence, commitment, and innovation . Journal of Applied Psychology , 75 : 51 – 59 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Elbanna , A. R. 2006 . The validity of the improvisation argument in the implementation of rigid technology: the case of ERP systems . Journal of Information Technology , 21 : 165 – 176 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Faraj , S. and Sproull , L. 2000 . Coordinating expertise in software development teams . Management Science , 46 ( 12 ) : 1554 – 1515 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Fishbein , M. and Ajzen , I. 1975 . Belief, attitude, intention and behaviour: an introduction to theory and research , Reading, MA : Addison-Wesley Publishing Company .
   Google Scholar
• Gallardo-Valencia , R. E. and Sim , S. E. 2007 . “ Enacting software processes through prescription and improvisation ” . In Graduate student research symposium UC, Irvine
   Google Scholar
• George , J. M. and Brief , A. P. 1992 . Feeling good-doing good: a conceptual analysis of the mood at work-organisational spontaneity relationship . Psychological Bulletin , 112 : 310 – 329 .
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gerber , E. 2007 . “ Improvisation principles and techniques for design ” . In CHI 2007 San Jose, , California
   Google Scholar
• Gulliksen , J. 2003 . Key principles for user-centred systems design . Behaviour & Information Technology , 22 ( 6 ) : 397 – 409 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Herrmann , T. and Loser , K. 1999 . Vagueness in models of socio-technical systems . Behaviour & Information Technology , 18 ( 5 ) : 313 – 323 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Herrmann , T. , Hoffmann , M. and Kunau , G. 2004 . A modelling method for the development of groupware applications as socio-technical systems . Behaviour & Information Technology , 23 ( 2 ) : 119 – 135 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hoegl , M. and Gemuenden , H. G. 2001 . Teamwork quality and the success of innovative projects: a theoretical concept and empirical evidence . Organisation Science , 12 ( 4 ) : 435 – 449 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hurt , H. T. , Joseph , K. and Cooed , C. D. 1977 . Scales for the measurement of innovativeness . Human Communication Research , 4 : 58 – 65 .
   Google Scholar
• Huuhtanen , P. 1997 . Toward a multilevel model in longitudinal studies on computerization in offices longitudinal studies of human-computer interaction . International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction , 9 ( 4 ) : 383 – 405 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Igbaria , M. , Guimaraes , T. and Davis , G. B. 1995 . Testing the determinants of microcomputer usage via a structural equation model . Journal of Management Information Systems , 11 ( 4 ) : 87
   Google Scholar
• Iivari , N. 2006 . Representing the User' in software development – a cultural analysis of usability work in the product development context . Interacting with Computers , 18 ( 4 ) : 635 – 664 .
   Google Scholar
• Judge , T. A. and Bono , J. E. 2001 . Relationship of core self-evaluations traits – self-esteem, generalised self-efficacy, locus of control, and emotional stability – with job satisfaction and job performance: a meta-analysis . Journal of Applied Psychology , 86 : 80 – 92 .
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kamoche , K. and Pina e Cunha , M. 2001 . Minimal structures: from jazz improvisation to product innovation . Organisation Studies , 22 ( 5 ) : 733 – 764 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kamoche , K. , Pina e Cunha , M. and Vieira da Cunha , J. 2003 . Toward a theory of organisational improvisation: looking beyond the jazz metaphor . Journal of Management Studies , 40 : 2023 – 2051 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Karahanna , E. , Straub , D. W. and Chervany , N. L. 1999 . Information technology adoption across time: a cross-sectional comparison of pre-adoption and post-adoption beliefs . MIS Quarterly , 23 ( 2 ) : 183 – 213 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Karat , J. and Karat , C. M. 2003 . The evolution of user-centered focus in the human-computer interaction field . IBM Systems Journal , 42 ( 4 ) : 2003
   Google Scholar
• Karat , J. , Karat , C. M. and Ukelson , J. 2000 . Affordances, motivation, and the design of user interfaces . Communications of the ACM , 43 ( 8 ) : 49 – 51 .
   Google Scholar
• Karn , J. S. . Adjusting to XP observational studies of inexperienced developers . The proceedings of the extreme programming and agile processes in software engineering . Sheffield, UK. pp. 222 – 226 .
   Google Scholar
• Kehoe , R. and Jarvis , A. 1996 . ISO 9000–3: a tool for software product and process improvement , New York : Springer .
   Google Scholar
• King , A. W. and Ranft , A. L. 2001 . Capturing knowledge and knowing throught improvisation: what managers can learn from the thoracic surgery board certification process . Journal of Management , 7 ( 3 ) : 255 – 277 .
   Google Scholar
• Lewis , W. , Agarwal , R. and Sambamurthy , V. 2003 . Sources of influence on beliefs about information technology use: an empirical study of knowledge workers . MIS Quarterly , 27 ( 4 ) : 657
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Liang , D. W. , Moreland , R. and Argote , L. 1995 . Group vs. individual training and group performance: the mediating role of transactive memory . Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin , 21 ( 4 ) : 384 – 393 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Louridas , P. 2005 . Software development processes Department of management science and technology working papers. Athens University of Economics and Business
   Google Scholar
• Lowgren , J. and Stolterman , E. 1999 . Design methodology and design practice . ACM Interactions , February : 13 – 20 .
   Google Scholar
• Marakas , G. M. , Yi , M. Y. and Johnson , R. D. 1998 . The multilevel and multifaceted character of computer self-efficacy: toward clarification of the construct and an integrative framework for research . Information Systems Research , 9 ( 2 ) : 126
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Miner , A. S. , Bassoff , P. and Moorman , C. 2001 . Organisational improvisation and learning . Administrative Science Quarterly , 46 : 304 – 337 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mintzberg , H. 1994 . The rise and fall of strategic planning , New York : Free Press .
   Google Scholar
• Moorman , C. and Miner , A. S. 1998 . Organisational improvisation and organisational memory . Academy of Management Review , 23 : 698 – 723 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mumford , M. D. 2002 . Leading creative people: orchestrating expertise and relationships . Leadership Quarterly , 13 : 705
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Nemeth , C. J. and Staw , B. M. 1989 . “ The tradeoffs of social control and innovation in groups and organisations ” . In Advances in experimental social psychology , Edited by: Berkowitz , L. Vol. 22 , 75 – 210 . New York : Academic Press .
   Google Scholar
• Norman , D. A. 1986 . “ Cognitive engineering ” . In User centered systems design , Edited by: Norman , D. A. and Draper , S. W. 31 – 61 . Hillsdale, NJ : Lawrence Erlbaum Associates .
   Google Scholar
• Orlikowski , W. J. 1996 . Improvising organisational transformation over time: a situated change perspective . Information Systems Research , 7 ( 1 ) : 63
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Orlikowski , W. J. and Hofman , J. D. 1997 . An improvisational model for change management: the case of groupware technologies . Sloan Management Review , 38 ( 2 ) : 11
   Google Scholar
• Pavlou , P. A. and Fygenson , M. 2006 . Understanding and predicting electronic commerce adoption: an extension of the theory of planned behaviour . MIS Quarterly , 30 ( 1 ) : 115 – 143 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pelled , L. H. 1996 . Demographic diversity, conflict, and work group outcomes: an intervening process theory . Organisation Science , 7 ( 6 ) : 615 – 631 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pina e Cunha , M. , Vieira da Cunha , J. and Kamoche , K. 1999 . Organisational improvisation: what, when, how and why . International Journal of Management Reviews , 1 : 299 – 341 .
   Google Scholar
• Rittel , H. W.J. and Webber , M. M. 1984 . “ Planning problems are wicked problems ” . In Development in design methodology , Edited by: N. , Cross . 135 – 144 . New York : Wiley .
   Google Scholar
• Rogers , E. M. 1995 . Diffusion of innovations , 4th edn , New York : Free Press .
   Google Scholar
• Sonnentag , S. 1997 . Use of design methods, team leaders' goal orientation, and team effectiveness: a follow-up study in software development projects . International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction , 9 ( 4 ) : 443 – 454 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Standish Group . 2006 . Standish Group Report Available from http://www.sdtimes.com/article/story-20070301–01. html
   Google Scholar
• Sutcliffe , A. G. . Can we measure quality in design and do we need to? . Conference on designing interactive systems . pp. 119 – 121 .
   Google Scholar
• Tannenbaum , S. I. , Beard , R. L. and Salas , E. 1992 . “ Team building and its influence on team effectiveness: an examination of conceptual and empirical developments ” . In Issues, theory, and research in industrial/organisational psychology , Edited by: Kelley , K. 117 – 153 . Amsterdam, , Holland : Elsevier .
   Google Scholar
• Thatcher , J. B. and Perrewe , P. L. 2002 . An empirical examination of individual traits as antecedents to computer anxiety and computer self-efficacy . MIS Quarterly , 26 ( 4 ) : 381 – 316 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tjosvold , D. 1984 . Cooperation theory and organisations . Human Relations , 37 ( 9 ) : 743 – 767 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Truex , D. , Baskerville , R. and Travis , J. 2000 . Amethodical systems development: the deferred meaning ofsystems development methods . Accounting, Management and Information Technologies , 10 : 53 – 79 .
   Google Scholar
• Venkatesh , V. and Davis , F. D. 2000 . A theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model for longitudinal field studies . Management Science , 46 ( 2 ) : 186 – 204 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vera , D. and Crossan , M. M. 2004 . Theatrical improvisation: lessons for organisation . Organisation Studies , 25 : 727 – 749 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vera , D. and Crossan , M. M. 2005 . Improvisation and innovative performance in teams . Organisation Science , 2 : 203 – 224 .
   Google Scholar
• Vogiazou , Y. , Freeman , J. and Lessiter , J. 2007 . The use of improvisational role-play in user centered design processes . Human Computer Interaction , 1 : 262 – 272 .
   Google Scholar
• Watson , D. and Clark , L. 1984 . Negative affectivity: the disposition to experience aversive psychological states . Psychological Bulletin , 96 : 465 – 490 .
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Weick , K. E. 1991 . The non-traditional quality of organisational learning . Organisation Science , 2 : 116 – 124 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Weick , K. E. 1998 . Improvisation as a mindset for organisational analysis . Organisation Science , 9 ( 5 ) : 543 – 555 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Weinberg , G. M. 1971 . The psychology of computer programming , New York : Van Nostrand Reinhold .
   Google Scholar
• Woodman , R. W. , Sawyer , J. E. and Griffin , R. W. 1993 . Toward a theory of organisational creativity . Academy of Management Review , 18 : 293 – 321 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Xia , W. and Lee , G. 2005 . Complexity of information systems development projects: conceptualization and measurement development . Journal of Management Information Systems , 22 ( 1 ) : 45 – 83 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Yamamoto , Y. and Nakakoji , K. 2005 . Interaction design of tools for fostering creativity in the early stages of information design . International Journal of Human-Computer Studies , 63 : 513 – 535 .
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar