The history of Texaco#s corporate information technology function: a general systems theoretical interpretation
The history of Texaco’s corporate information technology function: a general systems theoretical interpretation
Porra J., Hirschheim R. and Parks M.S. MIS Quarterly, December 2005, Vol. 29 No. 4, Start Page: 721, No. of pages: 26
Purpose – To describe a case study, undertaken at Texaco, USA, to apply general systems theory (GST) in the determination of the reasons for the consistent failure of the company’s corporate IT function (Texaco IT) to match the task set for it during the 40 years in which it operated. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature of GST is presented to show how it enables a holistic study of history to take place and provides a means by which IT function performance versus resource needs narratives may be evaluated and compared. Describes the development of a GST-based interpretive “lens” to evaluate the specific data presented in the literature which indicated Texaco IT was a success and a failure. Findings – The literature-based data provided the means for mechanistic systems, organic systems, and colonial systems interpretations for Texaco IT. Reveals that information concerning top management perceptions of IT performance may not accurately reflect how the IT actually section performed. Explains that the main cause for Texaco IT’s failure was the top management’s consistent misinterpretation of the IT section’s performance, with these false perceptions lading top management to reduce the resources flowing into it. Concludes that there is an essential need to develop format IT function standards; IT leaders should familiarize themselves with top management perceptions of their performance; and IT leaders should independently scan the environment for influential forces likely to impact on their work and top management’s perceptions of their work. Originality/value – Provides case study evidence of how an IT function within an organization can be seen to fail when the failure is merely a question of false perceptions by top management.ISSN: 0276-7783Reference: 35AA951
Keywords: Case studies, Communications technology, Industrial performance, Information systems, Oil industry, Organizations, United States of America
