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Information systems as rational discourse: an application of Habermas's theory of communicative action

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  • Lyytinen, Kalle
  • Hirschheim, Rudy

Abstract

Information systems have traditionally been conceived as technical artefacts which may (or may not) have social and behavioural implications. They act as mechanisms that reinforce organizational control. In this article we argue that such a conception is too limited: information systems possess the potential to support authentic communicative interaction between organizational actors in such a way as to inspire criticism, to facilitate learning, and to raise the overall level of organizational competence. To support this claim, Habermas's communicative theory is applied to information systems. In particular, the use of information systems (referred to as IS-use) is conceived as a type of social action which can be supported through the notion of rational discourse. We consider some of the forms that such support might assume, and refer to some empirical examples presented in the literature. We suggest that by applying Habermas's theory to information systems, new insights regarding the legitimation and implementation of information systems can be obtained.

Suggested Citation

  • Lyytinen, Kalle & Hirschheim, Rudy, 1988. "Information systems as rational discourse: an application of Habermas's theory of communicative action," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 4(1-2), pages 19-30.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:scaman:v:4:y:1988:i:1-2:p:19-30
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Heng, M. & de Moor, A., 2000. "An Internet-Based Electronic Forum as a Habermasian Form of Societal Discourse," Other publications TiSEM 2b907870-6854-4cd3-ad95-f, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    2. Blonk, Heiko van der & Moor, Aldo de, 1998. "Understanding Internet-mediated research networks: can we really make them work?," Serie Research Memoranda 0013, VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Econometrics.
    3. Blackburn, Nivea & Brown, Judy & Dillard, Jesse & Hooper, Val, 2014. "A dialogical framing of AIS–SEA design," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 83-101.
    4. Tibosch, M.J.M.H. & Heng, M.S.H., 1992. "Information systems in the context of organizational culture," Serie Research Memoranda 0026, VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Econometrics.
    5. de Moor, A., 1996. "Coordinating the specification process of research network information systems : Methodological design principles," Other publications TiSEM fe47953e-e5fd-46b8-a5b6-a, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    6. Christopher Dick-Sagoe & Ka Yiu Lee & Daniel Odoom & Peggy Otiwaa Boateng, 2023. "Stakeholder perceptions on causes and effects of public project failures in Ghana," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
    7. Janson, M.A. & Taillieu, T.C.B., 1994. "Informatization and communicative action : A case study," WORC Paper 94.03.004/3, Tilburg University, Work and Organization Research Centre.
    8. Heng, Michael S.H. & Moor, Aldo de, 2000. "An internet-based electronic forum as a Habermasian form of societal discourse," Serie Research Memoranda 0014, VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Econometrics.
    9. van der Blonk, H. & de Moor, A., 1998. "Understanding internet-mediated research networks : Can we really make them work?," Other publications TiSEM 7c2009a4-0d86-4e71-bfab-8, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.

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