Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: This paper analyzes the role of 'bridge builders' in Information Technology (IT) artifact development, focusing on new, challenging information systems (IS) contexts, packaged software development and outsourcing.Both literature and empirical analyses on 'bridge builders' in IT artifact development are carried out.The literature review combines findings from several yet separate research communities.Based on the review, a categorization of what this 'bridge building' includes in IT artifact development, is outlined.The 'bridge builders' are expected to understand the users; represent the users both in presentational and political sense; and to facilitate collaboration in IT artifact development, in doing so serving either the interests of the operational or managerial stakeholders.Furthermore, by utilizing this categorization as a sensitizing device, two empirical cases are analyzed, showing that the 'bridge builders' are expected to and occasionally also succeed in understanding the users, representing them both in presentational and political sense, and facilitating collaboration, serving the interests of the operational or managerial stakeholders.Our empirical findings point out the varieties and challenges involved with this role in IT artifact development.We especially emphasize the importance of this position in the new, challenging IS contexts, and argue for further analyses of it.
Authors: Sari Tuovila, Netta Iivari
Language: English
Subfield: Management Information Systems
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W206484135