Managing Personal Computer Use: The Role of Corporate Management Information Systems

Abstract:Managing the influx of personal computers (pc) presents a significant dilemma for most management information systems (mis) executives. On the one hand, too tight control will limit the creative use of pcs and may in fact force users “underground” (where formal standards, methodologies, and controls have little effect). A laissez-faire approach, on the other hand, can often lead to inappropriate, ineffective applications being developed by users on their pcs.This article presents the results of a field study of how eight firms are striking this balance, and it suggests two frameworks for understanding how firms must change their pc management practices in different circumstances.Key Words and Phrases: Personal computersend-user computingmanagement information systems (mis) management of personal computersevolutionary models of personal computer use Additional informationNotes on contributorsPhilip J. PyburnPhilip J. Pyburn is an Associate Professor of Management Information Systems at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Dr. Pyburn holds the S.M. degree from MIT’s Sloan School of Management and the D.B.A. degree from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Business Administration. His current interests lie in the areas of strategic planning and implementation of computer-based technologies, the impact of culture on information systems utilization, and the role of decision support systems in improving managerial productivity. Dr. Pyburn has published numerous articles that have appeared in such journals as Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, Journal of Management Information Systems, MIS Quarterly, Information and Management, Public Administration Quarterly, and Technology in Society. He was formerly on the faculty at Boston University, and he has consulted for a large number of firms on a variety of is issues.