Qualitative research in information systems
MIS Quarterly
Diversity in information systems action research methods
European Journal of Information Systems
Investigating information systems with action research
Communications of the AIS
End of Millennium: The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture
End of Millennium: The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture
Interpreting Information Systems in Organizations
Interpreting Information Systems in Organizations
SAICSIT '06 Proceedings of the 2006 annual research conference of the South African institute of computer scientists and information technologists on IT research in developing countries
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The adoption of ICTs in developing countries often comes with the argument of how the technology will assist in bridging the 'digital divide'. This paper argues that often ICTs fail to realise their potential, in many instances, due to the overly technical focus of the information systems design process. A case study from South Africa illustrates how the design of an information system, which takes the social situation into account, can address exclusion. Using an interpretive participatory action research approach a community-based information system was designed, in one municipality in South Africa, to address the vulnerability of children. The revised information system is primarily a paper and oral based system, but links with computerised systems at higher levels. Thus, though ICTs were not directly used in the design, due to the nature of the particular context, the connection with the higher levels of the health system have been made. The case study illustrates the importance of designing information systems which are culturally and technologically appropriate.