INFORMATION-SYSTEMS PLANNING IN SMALL BUSINESS - A STAGES OF GROWTH ANALYSIS

In this article, the use of Information Systems in the context of smal l business is discussed, showing current research focus and presenting some parts of research areas which have not yet been tackled. The sur rounding environment that facilitates the creation of small entreprene urial businesses is further examined, together with the IS planning pr actices in such an environment. We find that these practices do not fo llow the conventional theories for IS planning, The main argument is t hat their management style and organizational structure determine to a significant extent the process and nature of IS planning. This relati onship is envisaged under a broader perspective where we consider the inter-dependence between organizational structure and culture. We are proposing a shift of focus for IS planning research by suggesting a mo del that combines the above concepts.