Uncertainty and information systems

This paper is an explorative journey into the design and use of information systems (IS) in organizations. We argue that conventionally IS are constructed from a perspective of Certainty which result in two major problems: the problem of rigidity and the problem of structural blindness. In order to overcome both problems another perspective on the design and use of IS is needed which we have termed Uncertainty. This perspective is described using two dimensions; the systems dimesion and the information dimension. Where the systems dimension is concerned this perspective allows for a continuously changable and changing structure which reflects the dynamic nature of organizational reality. The information dimension of the Uncertainty perspective draws attention to the relevance of ambiguous, unexpected and seemingly irrelevant information. Both dimensions of Uncertainty stress the support of the process which is underlying the functioning of IS instead of the IS as a static and defined entity. We have tried to argue that certain types of IS like internet and CSCW-systems need a different perspective to understand their construction and use.