A Role Theory Perspective on End-User Development

Recent advances in computer technology have been accompanied by significant changes in the roles of both users and developers. One well-known example is end-user development, which here provides a context for the application of role theory to IS issues. A framework is proposed for classifying IS roles in a way that can be used for role behavior analysis. The framework takes the form of a matrix, with activities relating to the construction and use of information systems on one axis, and activities relating to generic organizational levels on the other. Role theory permits analysis of organizational phenomena from either a structural or a process-oriented perspective. Propositions from both perspectives are presented which can be used to direct empirical studies.