You seem to describe a CSR world where he who shouts loudest gets their way. A bit like the UN.
I think there's something else that IT can bring to this world; and that's the equalizing effect of wiki and social networking technology and its ability to provide a level playing field for anyone with a keyboard to make themselves "heard."
Paul, As much as I would like to agree with you that IT can help in this process, I am concerned the impact may be minimal especially if the dominant voice is raised high enough that others are drowned out. The reason some people raise their voices loudly enough in any environment, including in social responsibility situations, is that they've learned it works and gets them attention. Can IT really help to equalize the situation or at the very least elevate other voices and furthermore, can it help quieten the loud voices enough to enable others help move the corporate agenda forward?
Truly the opportunities and possibilities that IT provides to this challenge are enormous but like Bolaji and Steve have mentioned, i don't believe it can provide equality of voice and opinion.
This is because it is not the only media.
However, the effect of online opinion poll, online campaigns using social networking sites and the attention the online community is being given as relating to significant issues seams to tell me that with a little more strategic effort, I.T. could make a significant difference.
Equality of voice and opinion. ....nice Tioluwa! I think that is the best words for the role of IT in our society. Today if you want to be heard all you need is a internet connection and a PC. CSR approach is more community based - outreach program, tree planting, world peace thingy which is for me is a bit overrated. I hope companies will take advantage on IT with their CSR programs.
To touch on your point, IT is not the difference-maker, the application of the technology is what counts. It is the responsibility of those designing and implementing those applications that are significant here.
Software project management relies heavily on input from stakeholders. The quality of software varies with the degree to which so-called domain experts have contributed to the understanding of how the software is supposed to work. This concept was put forward by leaders in the move to object-oriented programming (also UML proponents, see Booch and Maksimchuk).
It's a reality of larger enterprises that domain experts are not the people who go out and procure software. The initial statements of work that kick off the design and implementation of enterprise software have proven to be far from the specs of the end product. Actual specifications have to be finessed out of people who generally enter the procurement process with some reluctance.
This is just a way that what are known as human factors enter into business. In real life, information of value is not obtained by listening to the loudest voice. Often it's a process of deriving one thing from another--using actual logic!
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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