Understanding the Role of Computer-Supported Argumentation in the Strategic Change Process

In this paper the authors develop a conceptual framework for appreciating the use of computer-supported argumentation systems in organisational settings undergoing strategic change. More specifically, the authors concentrate on the role of computer-supported argumentation as catalyst for compensating distortions in the outcome of change, originating from the organisation’s power regime. The framework developed is based on a view of strategic change as actor-network (re)formation. Argumentation is in the core of this process which is greatly influenced by the power distribution among the participants of the change effort. A dynamic simulation model is used to instantiate the conceptual framework and to capture the dynamics of change. Simulation experiments are conducted to investigate the effects of employing argumentation technologies with specific characteristics related to the representation of power and accessibility in the argumentation discourse on the outcome of change.