Responsible Management of Digital Divides: An Oxymoronic Endeavor?

Abstract:

This paper critiques the notion of responsible management of information systems by pointing out the intrinsic contradiction inherent in the idea of managing morality and ethics in information systems. The paper, being part of the tradition of critical
research in IS, uses the example of managing digital divides to argue that a traditional view of management (here called heroic
management) leads to conceptual problems. It will develop two basic arguments that undermine the possibility of responsible
heroic management of digital divides: (1) Normative issues related to digital divides cannot be managed because management
is part of the construction of the problem and therefore lacks the detached and objective viewpoint required for rational
management. (2) The very concept of responsibility, if taken seriously and applied responsibly (here called reflective responsibility)
requires a participative approach that contradicts the traditional top-down approach of heroic management. The paper will
conclude with a discussion of what form management of IS needs to take if it wants to be responsible.

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