| Authors: Baskerville, R. Date: 1995 Title: “Structural Entropy Model of Technology Transfer” Journal: Diffusion and Adoption of Information Technology: Conference Notebook of the First IFIP WG 8.6 Working Conference. Oslo: Norwegian Computing Center Pages: 105-118 |
| Information systems, information technology, technology transfer, organizational change, information systems management, postmodern organization |
| Technology transfer occurs in the context of change in the organizational structure and environment. Organizational structures are most often poorly matched to the human activities in the organization. Information systems are key components of organizational structure, and therefore contribute to this mismatch. In conditions of change, the mismatch drives an increase in organizational entropy until the organization achieves a condition of inviability. At this point, the organization convulsively sheds its maladaptive structures. Technology transfer is co-dependent on this convulsion. Information technologies are key enabling factors for discarding the irrational and disorderly activities associated with inappropriate structures. Simultaneously, the adoption of these new technologies is enabled by the elimination of the old, impeding structures. |