Tying sociology to information systems development

Developing computer-based information systems has always been considered a technical process, traditionally under the control of the information systems department. Information systems development is considerably different today than it has been in the past because of technological change. Technological change has also brought about sociological change. End users are more involved in systems development than ever before, and, in some cases, are undertaking the job of developing systems without relying on the information systems department. Users and technicians alike need to understand the changing sociological roles that each group is facing. Technicians, in particular, need to be sensitive to the sociological aspects of systems development. This paper examines the sociological aspects and impacts of building information systems