Organizational change as a contributing factor to IS failure

The reasons for information systems (IS) failure are numerous, frequently difficult to determine and may include organizational factors that are outside a project's control. This paper describes research in progress, which explores the effects of organizational change on the development, implementation and operation of IS. A human resources system (HRS) project is discussed in detail, and the link between organizational change and the project's outcome is examined. It appears that the collective and cumulative effects of minor organizational changes on IS project outcomes could be as significant as the influence of radical organizational restructuring. It is suggested that organizational changes, even those that appear initially insignificant, need to be identified and their potential influence on IS projects assessed as part of any strategy that aims to increase the likelihood of IS success. The implications of these findings for IS project management are discussed.