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Theoretical Considerations and a Case Study of Networking Across Organisations

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Theoretical Considerations and a Case Study of Networking Across Organisations Organisations and Networks: Theoretical Considerations and a Case Study of Networking across Organisations. Sajda Shaheen Qureshi Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London May, 1995 1 UMI Number: U167273 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Dissertation Publishing UMI U167273 Published by ProQuest LLC 2014. Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 izzz X-2 / M 1 2 7^© Abstract This dissertation considers the rise of new and emergent organisational forms characterised as networks. The work presents an analysis of the underlying themes that motivate such developments by drawing upon modem models of organisation together with contemporary perspectives on information systems. A network is seen as interlinked work processes supported by communication technologies; work processes which, in particular, can transcend space and time and enable team based approaches. The characteristics that might distinguish the network are set out in terms of technology, the nature of the work process, and approaches to traditional organisational functions. Associations of individuals, institutions and groups of people and institutions; and societal considerations affecting inter-governmental and regional developments are also considered. An analysis of these characteristics is presented within a layered model and further developed by the use of tools and techniques drawn from social network analysis. A detailed case study is presented using this theoretical approach. The case examined is the Commonwealth Network of Information Technology for Development (COMNET- IT). This is an initiative of the Commonwealth aimed at bringing together expertise and organisations from around the world to coordinate their efforts in utilising information technology in pursuit of development goals. The focus of COMNET-ITs activities is on adding value to the work of a group of geographically dispersed experts through the utilisation of electronic networks. The study provides a detailed theoretical analysis of the network phenomenon. Using stmcturation theory and social network analysis, this research provides insights into processes of network formation and evolution, network structure and the behaviour of network participants. The processes of appropriation of technology are observed and analyzed, and this work is supported by detailed empirical research investigating electronic group meetings. 2 To Gert-Jan, whose enthusiasm and confidence have motivated me enormously. Acknowledgements I would like to thank my supervisor, for his guidance and support in producing this last work of an amateur. I am grateful to all those at the Commonwealth Secretariat and the members of COMNET-IT who so willingly offered their support, and become the source of so much material; I very much appreciate their comments and suggestions. I would like to add, that I have enjoyed working as the Coordinator of COMNET-IT and have learnt a lot from this experience. Many thanks go to the members of the Information Systems Department at the London School of Economics and Political Science for all their reassurance. Their friendship, help and advice have been extremely valuable and a source of much inspiration. I am also very grateful to all my friends for their encouragement and often very timely advice. To my parents, I devote my fondest appreciation; they have given me so much love and have always supported me in everything I do. Special thanks to my sister and brother who in their own ways contributed with much patience and friendship. Finally, and especially, I would like to thank my fiancee for all his care, constant reassurance and companionship, which in particular, sustained me through the most unbearable moments of this dissertation. The Central Research Fund contributed towards equipment for this research. 4 Table of Contents Chapter One: Introduction Introduction ........................................................................................................... 11 Research Approach and Case Study .................................................................. 13 The Network Concept ......................................................................................... 14 Technical networks .................................................................................. 14 Network organisations ............................................................................. 15 Networks for control ................................................................................ 15 Networks for exchange and coordination ............................................. 16 Human networks ...................................................................................... 17 Networks in cooperative work processes............................................... 18 Electronic Communications and Human Networks ........................................ 19 Effects of electronic m ail ................................................. 20 First-level....................................................................................... 20 Second-level ................ 21 Coordination costs ...................................................................... 21 Social cues ................................................................................................ 22 Defining the social context .................................................................... 23 Networks as Dynamic Entities........................................................................... 25 Aspects of Networking............................................................................. 25 Perspectives on Networking ................................................................................ 31 Networking 1: Technology ...................................................................... 31 Evolving worldwide communication networks .......................... 32 Academic networks...................................................................... 33 Networking 2: Work Process .................................................................. 34 Team building ................................................................................ 34 Computer support for group processes ...................................... 35 Networking 3: Organisation .................................................................... 37 Networks within organisations .................................................... 38 The network form of organisation ............................................. 39 Networking 4: Association ...................................................................... 41 Information and strategic alliances .......................................... 41 Inter-organisational linkages ...................................................... 42 Networking 5: Society ............................................................................. 43 Structure of this Dissertation .1 ...................................................................... 46 Chapter Two: Methodology and Research Approach Introduction ............................................................................................................ 50 Perspectives in Information Systems Research ............................................... 51 The Case Study ............................................................ 55 Action Research and the Role of the Researcher ............................... 59 Approach of this Research .................................................................................. 64 Research Design .................................................................................................. 65 5 Levels of Networking ............................................................................... 67 Unit of analysis......................................................................................... 72 Sources of evidence .................................................................................. 72 C ollection .................................................................................................. 73 Guiding Themes and Procedures for Analysis ................................................. 74 Potential for Generalisation ................................................................................ 75 Summary and Conclusions .................................................................................. 76 Chapter Three: Organisational Perspectives Introduction............................................................................................................ 78 Organisation and Information ........................................................................... 79 Information for coordination .................................................................. 79 Changing nature of the workforce ........................................................ 80 Restructuring of organisational processes ............................................
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