The Social Life of Information

In a series of essays authors Brown and Duguid underscore the risks associated with subordinating human practice to process. (See Chapter 4.) Over reliance on process and "digeroti" convention potentially robs the enterprise of human insight and innovation. Indeed, a more dynamic and productive world suggested by this work is one that commingles ostensibly competing intelligences in a dance of creative abrasion.

And, while Jack may have been happy with a 60% sell-through rate for some product areas at GE -- strictly based upon virtual reality -- incorporation of the human equation suggests results could have been augmented significantly. Perhaps, Jeff Immelt, the "new guy" at GE will understand better.

In the meantime, lest any manager or leader be tempted to automate at the expense of human intelligence, these thought-provoking essays will definitely give pause. But, be forewarned! This is not a cookbook with take-away recipes. The reader will have to concoct customized prescriptions according to the needs of the organization(s) for which he or she is responsible.

REVIEW: In fairness to the authors, I found out after getting the book that it wasn't what I expected and that I probably wasn't part of the target audience. I was expecting more of a practical guide useful for those interested in business management and strategy as affected by the emerging information/knowledge economy and society. That's not what this book is about. I agree with the basic premise of the book - that information and individuals must be considered in social context and that blind infoenthusiam will not solve all our problems. However, the book quickly turns into mostly an academic review of selected parts of the social-information theory world and some emerging issues. It offers selected analysis without synthesis. You may like the book if that's what you're looking for, unfortunately I wasn't looking for that.

STRENGTHS: The authors are obviously widely versed and have in depth knowledge of the field. This shows especially in the numerous and detailed footnotes. Also, the book tackles an underappreciated topic in the business world - that social context must be considered when using knowledge and information.

WEAKNESSES: As the authors readily admit, the book offers little or no solutions or practical advice for managers/executives that have to deal with the issues raised.

WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK: Those who like to think on a more academic level about information and social issues should consider reading this book. This may include information theorists and academics and info technologists.

ALSO CONSIDER: Information Rules by C Shapiro & H Varian

[feedback welcome]

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   Written on August 29, 2001
   Summary: Techies and Technophobes, Unite!
This book persuasively articulates the human context in which technology tools and products are meant to function. As the dotcom meltdown shows, our comprehension of the importance of innovation does not necessary help us understand which particular possibilities are most valuable, and when/how they might most helpfully be introduced.
The book offers some mileposts for both techies and the technology-terrified to use to navigate the non-linear, but still rational criteria that determine which tools will succeed, where the possible is not necessary valuable, and where our imagination overreaches what we might actually need.