The Information Society - A Cultural Fallacy?

This article reviews research on societal and organizational culture and relates this specifically to their impact on the development of the Information Society. A model of information systems acceptance is proposed and expanded in detail. From this model a number of hypotheses can be drawn in relation to cross-cultural differences in the values associated with information and its usage in organizational contexts. These differences have implications for the development, deployment, and usage of information systems. The model is illustrated with case material obtained during studies in Hong Kong into the adoption and use of Group Support Systems and will act as the framework for a comprehensive cross-cultural research program to be undertaken throughout Australasia.