Technology framework e ruoli organizzativi ad elevata differenziazione nei processi di cambiamento tecnologico. Il caso dell’ICT per il digital imaging, working paper

The analysis of IT-related change processes is considered one of the most interesting way to study the relationship between technology and organization. As a matter of fact, IT-related changes are not deterministic processes. Actually, they are characterized by one or more states of misalignment between IT and organization that can (or may not) be 'solved' through incremental cycles of mutual adaptation. As a consequence, it is interesting to highlight the process of co-evolution between IT and organization and the key elements able to affect this process as well. In this work, we focus on IT implementation in the area of digital medical imaging within five hospitals of Northern Italy. In spite of the potentials of this technology, from an economical, organizational and clinical point of view, our case studies reduce the magnitude of the expected improvements. The differentiation between managerial and professional roles, in terms of expectations, aims and technology 'frames', arises as a key factor able to affect change processes and consequent performances. Finally, reflections and suggestions in terms of better managerial practices within IT-related change processes complete the work.