Alternative perspectives of user participation: practical implications

Abstract

A number of theories have been advanced in the information systems literature to rationalize the merits of user participation as a strategy for successful introduction of information systems in organizations. Importantly, while these theories contain some common elements, they also comprise significant differences. Understanding these commonalities and differences can facilitate effective implementation of user participation and thereby can make a difference in the ultimate failure or success of a system. This paper analyzes the major user participation theories; derives, as well as integrates, their implications for system users, user managers, and system designers; and infers respective applicability of these theories to specific system introduction contexts.