This research is funded under the Special Initiative on Coordination Theory and Collaboration Technology. This is one of eleven winners under that competition. This study investigates certain aspects of the role of computerized information systems as instruments of coordination in complex organizations. Questions addressed in this research include: What kinds of coordination problems do computerized systems actually resolve, and to what extent? What social and economic impacts result from the use such systems? The research gathers empirical data through cross sectional studies, comparative case studies and a longitudinal survey of manufacturing firms that have relatively structured systems that can be characterized as Computer Integrated Manufacturing. Results expected from the research include empirically grounded accounts of the role of computerized information systems in coordinating activities of complex organizations and increased theoretical understanding of the economic and sociological impacts of these information systems.
