THE CONTRADICTORY STRUCTURE OF SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGIES - DECONSTRUCTING THE IS-USER RELATIONSHIP IN INFORMATION ENGINEERING

In this paper we show that systems development methodologies may conta in incompatible assumptions about the role of users and information sy stems (IS) personnel during systems development. Using deconstruction, we analyze and interpret a systems development methodology currently receiving considerable attention--Information Engineering. We find tha t this methodology's characterization of IS-user relations and, in par ticular, its recommended partitioning of responsibility between IS and users is inconsistent and contradictory. Despite a heavy emphasis on user involvement, users are given a relatively passive role to play du ring development. At the same time, users are expected to sign off on projects and take responsibility for project outcomes. We suggest that such prescriptions, when put into action during systems development, make the relationship between users and IS personnel problematic. Furt her, we argue that the contradictions we surface in the methodology re flect contradictions and ideologies in the context within which system s development occurs. Our analysis raises important questions about th e relationship between the production and consumption of information t echnology in organizations.