Towards a Structurational Theory of Information Systems: a substantive case analysis

This paper employs the analysis of an interpretive case study within a Regional Train Operating Company (RTOC) to arrive at theoretical understandings of Information Systems (IS). Giddens’ ‘structuration theory’ is developed which offers an account of structure and agency; social practices developing and changing over time and space. The most common application of structuration theory to the IS domain is the analysis of empirical situations using the ‘dimensions of the duality of structure’ model. The best-known attempts to theorize IS concerns using this approach have come from Orlikowski from whom this paper draws particular attention. Structurational concepts (system integration, time-space distanciation and routinization) as well as Giddens’ conceptualization of social change are further developed to help explain IS phenomena. Some fifty interviews were conducted at every level in the company (RTOC) from engineers and train drivers to the board of directors. Participant observation was also undertaken with the authors attending twenty-one meetings, workshops and presentations. The resulting theoretical model describes IS embedded in social practices, which evolve to display both regularity and change.