How does a networked firm choose its ideal information system? This paper analyzes the circuitous path a small computer-consulting company took to recognize its IS/IT needs and commit to a specific solution, using structuration theory as a lens. The process is deconstructed into seven steps, revealing the complexities involved in technology adoption within a networked organization. During the selection process, participants formed new interpretations of the firm, technology, and the appropriate path towards a feasible solution. New resources, both tangible and symbolic, were acquired to enable the search. Existing 'norms' provided boundaries for the search process but at times had to yield or be circumvented for the organization to reach a solution. This research sheds light on the challenges and dynamics of IS/IT decision-making in networked firms, offering insights into how organizations navigate technology choices and adapt to evolving needs.
The article's focus on information systems, organizational learning, and technology adoption makes it suitable for Information Technology & People. The use of structuration theory aligns with the journal's interest in exploring the social and organizational dimensions of IT. The study provides insights into how technology shapes and is shaped by organizational practices and individual interpretations, resonating with the journal's interdisciplinary approach.