Applying the organizational failure diagnosis model to the study of information systems failure

Proposes to analyze known case studies of information systems failure.

Uses the organizational failure diagnosis model.

Finds that there is the need to assess the organization's “health” prior to information systems development and to raise the organization's actual capacity for systems development to the necessary levels for success.

Previous studying of these cases has underplayed the role of technical problems as the surface manifestations of deeper‐rooted organizational pathologies causing the failure. The usefulness of the organizational failure diagnosis model is shown in recognizing these deeper‐rooted issues and a number of suggestions are made for the prevention of failure.