Analisando Frames Tecnológicos: um Estudo das Interpretações Sociais da Tecnologia da Informação no Contexto Organizacional

Abstract

Technological frames (shared cognitive structures that relate to technology) are the main theme of this research.Its general goal is to analyze the nature and extension of the differences that sustain technological frames fordifferent social groups as well as to understand the motivations for congruencies and incongruencies. Theresearch was conducted in a higher education institution with an international academic information system as itsobject of analysis. The system was already implemented at the time of the research and is in use today.Methodologically, this study is characterized by epistemological suppositions supported by an interpretativeperspective and a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews, participant observation, document analysis andphysical artifacts were the sources of empirical data. Data analysis and interpretation were backed up by adialectic-hermeneutic method. The results point to different interpretations of the academic information system.These interpretations are socially constructed by the individuals and become greatly affected by their priorknowledge of the system, their assumptions and expectations towards it. Personal and contextual characteristicsas well as technological ones are integrated creating, reinforcing and modifying congruencies andincongruencies in technological frames.

Keywords

• technological frames
• information technology
• social cognition.