The origins of failure: seeking the causes ofdesign–reality gaps

Silvia Masiero

LSE Research Online Documents on Economics from London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library

Abstract: The theory of design–reality gaps is an extant framework to explain failure of information systems in developing nations. This paper problematizes the nature of failure, with a particular focus on situations in which well-implemented systems, apparently corresponding to users’ views of reality, still fail to meet the expectations of their key stakeholders. To extend existing theory on this phenomenon, I advance a diagnostic model to identify the root causes of design–reality gaps. The model is illustrated through a case study of the Ration Card Management System in Kerala, South India: by capturing the causal chains underlying design–reality gaps, the model sets to trace the origins of failure, and the processes through which it is ultimately determined. The model I propose is both explanatory and normative, as it elicits causes of failure and serves as a basis to combat them.

Keywords: ICT4D; design–reality gaps; e-governance; failure; information systems; India (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J50 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016-02-25
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Published in Information Technology for Development, 25, February, 2016, 22(3), pp. 487-502. ISSN: 1554-0170

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