Purpose
This study aims to explore how the use of mobile instant messaging (MIM) in an organization has led to the decentralization of authority.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this aim, a study was conducted on a case site that had used MIM extensively to manage an event.
Findings
This study found that communication technology such as MIM can shift more authority to the lower-level committees through the processes of formation, delegation, control and dissolution.
Originality/value
The role of information systems and technology in affecting a decentralization process has been largely understudied. Additionally, the effect of communication technologies such as MIM on a decentralization process has been largely ignored. Therefore, this study theorizes the role of MIM in managing an event and how the technology has decentralized more authority from the top management to the lower-level committees.
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