The role of information and control systems in the process of organizational renewal: Roadblock or road bridge?

Abstract In industrial organizations a great deal of effort is being invested in the search for more organic organizational structures. At the same time, new information and control systems are being introduced. Both developments can be seen as strategies to cope with growing environmental uncertainty. This article discusses dissonance between the two strategies, as it becomes manifest in organizational renewal projects. The main conclusion to be drawn, is that it does not make sense to talk of “determinism” in connection with information and control systems. These systems can be designed to reinforce approaches such as decentralization, participation in decision-making and work structuring.

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