Organizational Adaptation to Small Computers

by Henry G Irwig, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA,
Raymond E. Levitt, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Applications of Small Computers in Construction

Abstract:

The organizational changes associated with the introduction of mini- and micro-computers into firms in the construction industry is addressed in this paper. A review of the general management literature on the effects of computer implementation is undertaken. Then two in-depth, longitudinal case studies of computer implementation in the construction industry are presented, one of a construction company and another of a design firm. Special emphasis is given to the way in which these two organizations adapted their organizational structures and procedures to capitalize on the new technology with its lower priced, more powerful, more flexible and more portable computers. Using a conceptual model drawn from organizational theory, the process of organizational response and the factors influencing this process in each of the two firms is analyzed and compared.

Subject Headings: Construction management | Organizations | Computer models | Computing in civil engineering | Computer analysis | Construction companies | Construction industry

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