Rachel McLean

The panoptic gaze: Analysing the interaction between enterprise resource planning technology and organisational culture

The use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to deploy the panoptic gaze remains unresearched in the UK. Though there are studies outside the UK which use panoptic theory to investigate ERP systems, they do not analyse the influence the interaction between ERP technology and organisational culture have on the development of the panoptic gaze. The aim emerging from these issues was to understand whether ERP technology, organisational culture, or a combination of both could support development of the panoptic gaze in an organisation from the UK. The method selected was a qualitative case study of a UK organisations finance division, and the techniques used were semi-structured interviews and observations. The study suggests the ERP technology provided an infrastructure from which the panoptic gaze could be deployed. It was not deployed in this instance however, as the finance divisions culture did not emphasise workforce surveillance. The study therefore suggests that in addition to ERP technology a culture emphasising workforce surveillance was needed to develop the panoptic gaze. The findings support the social shaping concept as it was the finance divisions cultural context that influenced whether the ERP technology would be used to deploy the panoptic gaze.

Exclusion, inclusion and changing the face of information systems research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the issues of social and digital exclusion and inclusion arising from the development of a digitalised society. It aims to highlight the significance of this for the study of information systems by describing the context for this special issue, outlining a number of previously under‐researched areas, giving an overview of the papers chosen for this special issue and describing future directions for research that recognise non‐users and marginal users as important actors in designing and evaluating systems in use.Design/methodology/approach – The paper sets the scene by discussing the impact of mass involvement in digital culture on the field of information systems and analyses each paper, suggesting ways in which they relate to the chosen themes and drawing conclusions from this discussion.Findings – The papers chosen address thematic issues, theoretical foundations, methodological issues, empirical studies and reflections on inclusion and exclusion fro...

The social supply chain and the future high street

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how independent social and commercial activities have developed in response to the perceived decline in the UK High Street and in response to the challenges of increasing digital retailing opportunities. This examination is undertaken through the lens of the social supply chain as a means to understanding, suggesting and expanding on current research regarding retailing and the UK High Street. The authors reveal some of the challenges being posed by the changing patterns of growth and consumption in cities and couple these with shifting supply chain trends. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is used to explore the rapid advances and influence of digital technologies on businesses operating on the primary business street of suburban centre, towns or cities (described in the UK collectively as the “high street”). The research is conducted through the analytical lens of the social supply chain. Findings – Theoretically extending the “social” ...

Pixel Chix and Digi Guys: Exploring the Experience of the "Digital Citizens" in Two Contexts

The purpose of this article is to widen the debate surrounding participation in the eSociety, shifting the focus from access and economic power to skills and knowledge. It will present empirical research which, whilst not starting out as research into skills for the eSociety, revealed some relevant and enlightening issues. Focusing on two diverse contexts of activity (shopping and health care support) I will illustrate how the status quo (that the educated and economically rich have privileged, unfettered access to the services of the e-society) is flawed, misleading to stakeholders, and detrimental to both service providers and consumers. From a critical social theory (CST) perspective this paper critiques assumptions that the internet brings about citizen empowerment through increased access to information, and opportunities to communicate and share knowledge with service providers and other consumers. It demonstrates that this assumption derives from the myth that technology per se brings huge benefits, including wealth and empowerment. Concludes that access to ICTs alone does not bring about effective engagement in the eSociety.

Creatively prototyping the future high street

Abstract This paper gives a voice to a range of community and individual stakeholders who would not generally be heard in the conventional town planning process. We present a methodological technique, described as creative prototyping, that has at its heart, the capability to enable full stakeholder inclusivity into the future imagining of the smart city. Actively involving these individuals and community representatives in the research process enables deeper understanding of how technology and people can interact productively to create smart cities that are socially inclusive while still being commercially relevant. The research data for this paper are drawn from the findings of a workshop conducted by the authors that utilised Science Fiction Prototyping and Lego Serious Play. This research activity was driven by questions focusing upon the current complex interplay and tensions of technology and the UK’s physical high street. We first explore these issues theoretically in previous literature and then drawn upon this review to analyse the outcomes of the workshop. Three themes emerge from this analysis that have operational and strategic relevance to the development of future high streets; the importance of ever present but invisible technology, the forefronting of people in the smart city and the need for wide-ranging stakeholder input and participation into planning. The findings also illustrate that not all future imaginings of the retail high street are immediately practical or realistically applicable. However, in examining the many issues facing the current high street and in negotiating the multiplicity of voices with their competing demands and expectations, we offer the conclusion that the future smart city must become a place of truly shared sociality – rather than just mere proximity, customised convenience or a concentration point for multiple forms of entertainment.

Creating Communities: The Use of Technology in Craft and DIY Communities of Practice

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to gain insight into craft and do-it-yourself (DIY) communities of practice (COPs) and how the use of technology provides ways for participants to connect, share and create. Gaining deeper insights into the practices of these communities may provide new opportunities to utilise within this flourishing domain. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methods were adopted to collect data and analysed through an interpretivist lens. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of craft and DIY COPs to gain a deep understanding of the broader ethnographic study. Existing theoretical perspectives surrounding COPs have been applied to further current perspectives. Findings – Findings from this study suggest that being part of a COP allows participants to connect to others, build creative enterprise and learn or enhance skills. Insights gained from this study indicate some of the detailed ways in which the application of technology redefines craft and DIY COPs. R...

The customer rules and other e-shopping myths

This chapter discusses self-service and the Internet in the context of two studies, based in the UK, and undertaken during 1998–2005. They are united by a common framework of critically analysing discourses of e-shopping in the ‘digital age ’. Firstly, myths surrounding e-shopping are deconstructed with a view to analysing the ‘sovereign consumer ’ and the e-shopping experience. The second study considers home e-shopping in the UK. In an atmosphere where we are urged to engage with ICTs (information communication technologies) in all spheres of our lives, the domestication of ICTs necessitates consideration of the gendered family in gendered households. In conclusion, we argue those self-service aspects of e-shopping are not signs of empowerment and self-determination . The notion of the sovereign consumer exercising power and control globally is an enduring myth.