Organic development: a top-down and bottom-up approach to design of public sector information systems

ABSTRACT

In this paper we lay out interim findings and speculate on the implications for practice and theory of integrated criminal justice systems in law enforcement. In doing this we theorize on public sector information systems and their uses of information and communication technologies as engaging in what we call "organic development." To develop our theorizing on organic development, we draw on a field study of the San Diego, California area's Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS). We develop organic development as drawing on both top-down and bottom up approaches to engaging the technologies, technological infrastructures, governance principles, and work practices that, together, are an integrated system.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.1 Project and People Management
          Subjects: Systems development

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.1 Project and People Management
          Subjects: Strategic information systems planning; Systems analysis and design

General Terms:
Design, Management

Keywords:
emergent design, institutional theory, integrated criminal justice systems, organic design, social informatics