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Managing User Resistance in IS-implementations

Sivnert, Sara LU and Jöneros, William LU (2014) INFM10 20141
Department of Informatics
Abstract
The basis of this study lies in implementing Information systems (IS) and the related issue of user resistance. An IS-implementation can be a challenging process and there are numerous pitfalls. One of these pitfalls is the emergence of user resistance, and previous research indicates the management of user resistance can be affected by contextual factors of the IS-implementation. The purpose of this research is to identify the main contextual factors that can affect the user resistance in an IS-implementation, and to explain how the user resistance management strategies are affected by these contextual factors. From a literature review three contextual factors were identified: implementation strategy, implementation phase and... (More)
The basis of this study lies in implementing Information systems (IS) and the related issue of user resistance. An IS-implementation can be a challenging process and there are numerous pitfalls. One of these pitfalls is the emergence of user resistance, and previous research indicates the management of user resistance can be affected by contextual factors of the IS-implementation. The purpose of this research is to identify the main contextual factors that can affect the user resistance in an IS-implementation, and to explain how the user resistance management strategies are affected by these contextual factors. From a literature review three contextual factors were identified: implementation strategy, implementation phase and organizational culture and structure. In order to fulfill the study’s purpose, a qualitative approach was taken and the applied research design was similar to a multiple case study. The empirical data was collected through six semi-structured interviews. The themes of the interviews were based on the previously identified contextual factors of the IS-implementation and their influence on the management of user resistance. Once the data was collected, a presentation of the data was initiated, which was then discussed and analyzed. The main findings led to the conclusion of user resistance management being more delicate and requiring more effort when a big bang strategy is applied and the organization is hierarchical and individualistic with low changeability. Furthermore, the results show that neglecting the management of user resistance in early phases of the implementation, even if the resistance is not evidently noticeable, might increase the issue of resistance. The most effective strategies were proven to include communication, customizations and early involvement of the users. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Sivnert, Sara LU and Jöneros, William LU
supervisor
organization
course
INFM10 20141
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
User resistance, management strategies, implementation strategies, implementation phases and organizational culture and structure
report number
INF14-009
language
English
id
4467477
date added to LUP
2014-06-17 15:00:36
date last changed
2014-06-17 15:00:36
@misc{4467477,
  abstract     = {{The basis of this study lies in implementing Information systems (IS) and the related issue of user resistance. An IS-implementation can be a challenging process and there are numerous pitfalls. One of these pitfalls is the emergence of user resistance, and previous research indicates the management of user resistance can be affected by contextual factors of the IS-implementation. The purpose of this research is to identify the main contextual factors that can affect the user resistance in an IS-implementation, and to explain how the user resistance management strategies are affected by these contextual factors. From a literature review three contextual factors were identified: implementation strategy, implementation phase and organizational culture and structure. In order to fulfill the study’s purpose, a qualitative approach was taken and the applied research design was similar to a multiple case study. The empirical data was collected through six semi-structured interviews. The themes of the interviews were based on the previously identified contextual factors of the IS-implementation and their influence on the management of user resistance. Once the data was collected, a presentation of the data was initiated, which was then discussed and analyzed. The main findings led to the conclusion of user resistance management being more delicate and requiring more effort when a big bang strategy is applied and the organization is hierarchical and individualistic with low changeability. Furthermore, the results show that neglecting the management of user resistance in early phases of the implementation, even if the resistance is not evidently noticeable, might increase the issue of resistance. The most effective strategies were proven to include communication, customizations and early involvement of the users.}},
  author       = {{Sivnert, Sara and Jöneros, William}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Managing User Resistance in IS-implementations}},
  year         = {{2014}},
}