CAN GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS BE INFLEXIBLE TECHNOLOGY? THE OPERATIONAL STRATEGY REVISITED

Abstract

Recent failures of government information systems to achieve their objectives have highlighted the risk involved in large‐scale information technology projects. This article looks at one example, the computerization of the UK social security system, in the light of recent discussions of large‐scale technologies and the particular problem of inflexible technologies as defined by Collingridge. It is argued that large‐scale government computing projects can fit the criteria of inflexible technologies, although this is not an inherent feature of information technology. There are always more flexible alternatives available: this is illustrated using examples from both private and public organizations. Copyright © 1994, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved