Information technology and organisational structure

Computer‐based systems have been used in a variety of organisations for some time now, and there are many studies of their effects upon organisations. In the 1980s, concern has centred more around the introduction of information technology (IT), which may be briefly defined as the combination or integration of computer, telecommunications and information systems. This convergence of technologies provides a greater impetus for information transfer at both the inter‐ and intra‐organisational levels. Organisations of all types have become involved with IT and have implemented (or are implementing) IT‐based systems. On the macro level, there is growing interest in, and concern over, the wider socio‐economic effects, such as employment, work patterns, information access and individual freedom and privacy.