Understanding technology use in the public sector: A Structuration Theory perspective with a focus on emerging meanings

Abstract

In this paper we explore the contributions of Structuration Theory to the understanding of how technology is used in organizations. Based on literature analysis we decide to take a practice-oriented approach. In contrast with previous research we focus not on the behavioral aspect but on the interpretive aspect (emergences of meanings) of technology use in context. Moreover, we are interested in exploring the relationship between a practice-oriented approach to technology use and organizational discourse. Our findings bring contributions to several concepts related to ST by extending them: relevant groups, interpretive flexibility of technology and power. External environment emerges as an important aspect which influence the way technology is used in organization. We propose a combination between ST and institutional theories in order to account for this influence. Our findings have also relevance for organizational discourse field in at least two aspects: managers’ discourse in relation to the use of technology and technology as a carrier for intra- and inter-organizational symbolic communication.