The PRISM system: a key to organizational effectiveness at Federal Express Corporation

This paper examines a new type of information system rarely described in the MIS literature, probably because very few such systems exist today. The system, which we have labeled as an organizational effectiveness system (OSE), is designed to ensure the health and well-being of an organization in an increasingly complex and turbulent world. Its purpose and net effect are to allow the organization to be flexible and responsive. PRISM, a system developed at Federal Express Corporation, is an imitable example of such a system. As an advanced multi-technology system, it includes core personnel functions, expanded personnel and organizational functions, and extensive external interface features. The PRISM system permits significant and constant interactions with all managers and all employees. This paper describes PRISM in considerable detail as well as its impact and benefits. Bye extrapolating from the Federal Express experience, critical success factors are derived for the development and implementation of organizational effectiveness systems in other organizations.