Power, technology and bureaucratic control: a Crozierian analysis of an IT firm owned by the state of Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

Organization rules define areas that social actors wish to preserve or enlarge, positions they wish to protect or reach. This article presents and discusses Michel Crozier¿s theoretical approach. It shows that an organization is a political arena that defines ¿areas¿ where social actors¿ interests collide. Fortunate social actors are able to control fundamental resources for the organization. Since they have some kind of knowledge or know-how the organizational group needs for its survival, these actors gain more power in the organization and are able to negotiate advantages and benefits. The article shows how information systems can be used to preserve the interests and to increase the power of a group in the organization. And how social actors do not have similar possibilities of resisting and defending themselves against bureaucratic control.