THE STRATEGIC ADOPTION OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: FROM THE DISCUSSION OF THE “STRUCTURATION MODEL OF TECHNOLOGY”

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to discuss the use of information technology (IT) as a strategic resource to promote the agility of communication and decision processes in organizations, subsidizing the improvement of the performance of the organizational processes that allow the achievement of the business objectives. The study was based on the Structuration Model of Technology, proposed by Orlikowski (1992), which explores the relationship between organizations and technology so that the technological adoptions promote real gains – either qualitative or quantitative – to the organizations that implement such resources. Thus, according to the model mentioned, the study dealt with the interaction among three components: technology, institutional properties (strategy and structure), and human agents action, allowing a better competitive positioning to the organizations. The conclusions point to the validity of the theoretical model adopted in the analysis and to the need of a permanent interaction among the three elements referred when distinguished results are intended.