Handbook of Critical Information Systems Research: Theory and Application (Research Handbooks in Business and Management series)

The critical tradition in information systems research, according to Howcroft (Manchester Business School, U. of Manchester, UK) and Trauth (School of Information Sciences and Technology, US), is characterized by the themes of emancipation from power relations, critique of tradition, rejection of the primacy of economic efficiency (non-performative intent), critique of technological determination, and methodological reflexitivity. Intending to highlight the major strands of the critical tradition, they present 10 essays addressing conceptual and theoretical issues and eight demonstrating the application of theory. Topics include the ethics of information systems, critical discourse analysis of information systems, management fashions and information systems, Marxist critique of at-home tele-work, rationalities and emotions in information systems innovation, evaluating e-governance projects in India, mediated work in global business systems, and tele-health in the United Kingdom. Annotation c 2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR This important Handbook provides a unique overview of information systems (IS) research by focusing on the increasing interest in critical-related issues. Representing a significant step forward in the development of critical perspectives on the IS field, the Handbook draws together original contributions from leading authors who offer alternatives to the current mainstream approaches to IS research. In order to accommodate the various strands of critical understanding, a broad range of views and theoretical standpoints are encompassed, thereby combining theory with practical applications, and offering a valuable source of reference for this emerging area of research. Recent years have witnessed a more explicit focus on critical research and, continuing in that vein, the editors adopt an inclusive approach which considers alternative insights that can arise from critical IS research. Topics explored include, amongst others:management trends and ISflexibility, freedom and women's emancipation'consuming passions'in the global knowledge economycritical discourse analysis for the study of information systemsevaluation of e-governance projects in Indiarationalities and emotions in IS innovation• capital, information technology and enterprise developmentmediated work in global business organizations.Reflecting on key themes and emergent issues in critical information systems research, this Handbook will be invaluable reading for both academics and practitioners with an interest in a critical understanding of information systems from a variety of perspectives.