Higher-order organizational learning occurs when a company adopts
new principles, assumptions, and paradigms, which often turn into
competitive advantage. Systems development and implementation
offer an opportunity for higher-order organizational learning
that is rarely exploited. Advanced information systems, in particular,
such as expert systems (ES) and executive information systems
(EIS), provide ample opportunities for higher-order organizational
learning if the development process is structured in certain ways.
This work includes an analysis of three organizations in terms
of project outcomes, organizational learning outcomes, and organizational
performance. On the basis of these assessments, five critical
success factors are identified that may contribute to organizational
learning during advanced system development. The relationships
between these factors and organizational outcomes are summarized
in a preliminary model that can form the basis for future research.
The work closes with some recommendations for ways information
systems managers can encourage higher-order organizational learning
during advanced system development.
Key words and phrases: advanced information systems , executive support systems , expert systems , information systems development , organizational learning , sociotechnical design