376 Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofi t Organizations
on computer hardware and software technology to process and disseminate
information. Computers are only part of an information system.
Information systems (IS) technology uses computer hardware, software,
storage, and telecommunications technologies. Computer hardware is
the physical equipment used for input, processing, and output activities
in an information system. The software consists of the detailed prepro-
grammed instructions that control and coordinate the computer hard-
ware in an information system. Storage technology includes media for
storing data, such as magnetic or optical disk, or tape. Telecommunica-
tions technology consists of physical devices and software that link the
various pieces of hardware and transfer data from one physical location to
another. Computers and communications equipment can be connected in
networks for sharing voice, data, images, sound, and video. A network links
two or more computers to shared data and resources such as a printer.
The capabilities of information technology (IT) can help organizations
in a variety of ways (Davenport & Short, 1990):
Transactional capability: IT can transform unstructured processes into
routine transactions.
Geographical capability: IT can transfer information with rapidity and ease
across large distances, making processes independent of geography.
Automational capability: IT can replace or reduce human labor in a process.
Analytical capability: IT can bring complex analytical methods to bear
on a process.
Informational capability: IT can bring vast amounts of detailed infor-
mation into a process.
Sequential capability: IT can enable changes in the sequence of tasks in a
process, often allowing multiple tasks to be worked on simultaneously.
Knowledge management capability: IT allows the capture and dissemination
of knowledge and expertise to improve the process.
Tracking capability: IT allows the detailed tracking of task status,
inputs, and outputs.
Disintermediation capability: IT can be used to connect two parties
within a process who would otherwise communicate through an
intermediary (internal or external).Organizational Change
Information technology can promote various degrees of organizational
change. The most common change is the automation or mechaniza-
tion of routine tasks. However, IT can also be used for higher levels of