Influence processes of implementation effectiveness in challenged information technology projects in Africa.
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Date
2014
Authors
Ochara, N.M.
Kandiri, J.
Johnson, R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald
Abstract
Purpose – This research reports on how influence processes (IP) impact on the implementation
effectiveness of information technology (IT) projects. Drawing on an innovation perspective that
elevate the interplay of factors related to innovations framing, innovations environment and
innovation attributes, the study focused on IT projects based in Africa that are generally classified
as “challenged” due to the conditions in the environment. The purpose of this paper is to assess how
IP related to innovation framing, innovation environment and innovation attributes can be used to
determine implementation effectiveness.
Design/methodology/approach – Using a interpretive approach, a case study of institutions under
a partnership that has been implementing various educational technologies in five African countries
formed the sample. In all, 25 interviews of top-management representatives, project leaders and user
representatives were conducted between 2012 and 2013 to assess the implementation effectiveness of
these projects. Theoretical thematic analysis, based on a deductive approach, was employed to analyse
the data.
Findings – The results show that a majority of these development-oriented projects are “mandated
failures” characterized by high framing, a bad internal environment and typically negative
innovation attributes. That typically, the institutions engage symbolically in such innovations
initiatives which are regarded as “show” projects. Such behaviour can be construed to be a pattern
of cynical technology adoption linked to the appeasement of external stakeholders. In addition,
participation in initiatives was largely symbolic and is considered as a mere demonstration of
a modern organization that is technologically aware, yet the requisite innovation environment
is lacking for effective appropriation of the technology. Third, mandated failures result in low
morale of employees, who regard themselves as pawns in the process which make them grudgingly
participate in the implementation process.
Practical implications – These findings have implications for managing innovations in such
challenged environments: the first proposition is that projects in challenged environment for
innovation adopting organizations need to be considered as technology transfer projects. Second, the
innovation environment and attributes can only be improved during implementation of the conditions
related to absorptive capacity of the organization and the individual are addressed.
Originality/value – The research reported in this paper, provides an empirical determination of
the concept of implementation effectiveness by using three constructs of innovations framing,
environment and attributes. On the basis of the empirical findings, an original contribution is claimed,
especially in “challenged” IT project environments where the concept of success if fluid and outcomes
uncertain.
Description
DOI 10.1108/ITP-09-2013-0167
Keywords
Implementation, Absorptive capacity, Adoption, Technology adoption, Innovation driver/enabler/factors/process
Citation
Information Technology & People, Vol. 27 Iss 3 pp. 318 - 340, http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ITP-09-2013-0167