Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/3733
Title: Affection not affliction: The role of emotions in information systems and organizational change
Authors: McGrath, K
Keywords: Affection;Emotionality;Ethical behaviour;Information systems;Moral conduct;Organizational change
Issue Date: 2006
Publisher: Elsevier
Citation: Information and Organization. 16(4): 277-303
Abstract: Most IS research in both the technical/rational and socio-technical traditions ignores or marginalizes the emotionally charged behaviours through which individuals engage in, and cope with the consequences of, IS practice and associated organizational change. Even within the small body of work that engages with emotions through particular conceptual efforts, affections are often conceived as a phenomenon to be eradicated – an affliction requiring a cure. In this paper, I argue that emotions are always implicated in our lived experiences, crucially influencing how we come to our beliefs about what is good or bad, right or wrong. I draw from the theoretical work of Michel Foucault to argue for elaborating current notions of IS innovation as a moral and political struggle in which individuals’ beliefs and feelings are constantly tested. Finally, I demonstrate these ideas by reference to a case study that had considerable emotional impact, and highlight the implications for future work.
URI: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/3733
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.infoandorg.2006.09.001
Appears in Collections:Computer Science
Dept of Computer Science Research Papers

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