A human environmentalist approach to diffusion in ICT policies

Abstract

Purpose -Through an evaluation of the information technology (IT) adoption and diffusion models and the free and/or open source policy of the South African Government, the underlying assumption is that the developmental divide between those with and those without access to technology is purely technical. This paper aims to illustrate that if Free and/or Open Source Software is to be used as a building block to bridge the "digital divide" a more social and environmental perspective, which embraces the philosophy behind the software, needs to complement the technical perspective. The human environmental model is presented as a useful alternative which, if embraced, can inform more holistic information and communication technology (ICT) policies. Design/methodology/approach -Through a review of diffusion of innovations models an alternative diffusion framework is described and applied to an interpretive open source case study in South Africa. Findings -Contemporary diffusion and innovation models are narrowly focused on IT as a purely technological linear phenomenon. This perspective also underlies many ICT policies. A more socio-technical adoption model can assist in providing a more holistic approach to ICT policy development. Originality/value -The application of a new innovation model, the human environmental model, to ICT policy provides a holistic framework in which the complexity of the innovation process can be reflected in policy. Such an approach to ICT policy formulation will assist with broadening the perspective of policy makers from IT as a technical solution to IT as part of a socio-technical solution and recognise the duality of the innovation process.

Towards a framework for decision making regarding IT adoption

“…The limitation of mechanistic causal relationships to socially construct IT adoption in organizations is the failure to understand the human environment and organizational context [14]. In order for IT adoption to be successful there is a need for social and environmental perspectives to complement technical perspectives [42]. IT adoption processes need to be based on social-technical adoption models instead of a technological linear phenomenon [42].…”

“…In order for IT adoption to be successful there is a need for social and environmental perspectives to complement technical perspectives [42]. IT adoption processes need to be based on social-technical adoption models instead of a technological linear phenomenon [42].…”

“…The human environmental model to IT adoption provides a holistic framework with a broader perspective to address sociotechnical issues associated with the complex IT adoption in an organization [42]. Du Plooy's [14] extended framework which adds six characteristics to an IT adoption process has been criticized for being too deterministic in assuming that the inclusion or use of social factors leads to an IT adoption exercise being successful [42].…”

“…In many situations the decision to adopt technology is made by top management without consulting individuals in the organization [42]. From an IT adoption perspective there is often no voluntary adoption as it is normally prescribed by top management [42]. Politics also have a major influence on IT adoption decision making in organizations [42].…”

“…IT adoption denotes the taking and execution of a conscious decision to use a particular technology from an individual or an organizational perspective in the organization [36]. Diffusion in turn is the decision to implement such technology after adoption [42]. Naturally any IT adoption ought to be done for the benefit of the organization [28].…”