Translation Theory and the Integreted Approach in IT Management

Abstract

'The translation theory model' with its processes of 'alignment', 'enrollment', 'inscription' and hegemonic power processes is derived from action-network theory and offers a uniform and dynamic perspective on the management of IT in organizations. In particular, we focus on the complex social processes which are critical for the successful application of the "Integrated Approach". the 'Integrated Approach' is a promising approach to IT projects and maintenance, advocated both by researchers and consultants the last decades. In this paper, we describe a consistent analysis model based upon the translation theory. Then, the use of the model is demonstrated in regard to the implementation of the integrated approach in a large bank concern. The analysis yields how various actors continuously confront their own ideas and practices with those of others. They interpret and adjust new concepts according to their interests, and 'engrave' a jumble of new and old insights into the organization in both functional and dysfunctional ways according to the ongoing IT-project. The translation processes often takes place unintentionally, as an ongoing and power-based process of implicit meaning and identity formation. We conclude that the translation theory model offers an operational and constructive approach to understand the social construction of complex IT artifacts in organizations.