The University of Michigan-dearborn

The application of the function-support framework to the development of organizational information systems requires a careful evaluation of the ability of any proposed design alternative to meet the requirements of the information system. This is essential for the development of information systems that effectively support organizational function. But since contributing to the adaptability of the organization entails enhancing its ability to function, the contribution of the information system to the adaptability of the organization should be a basic, underlying design goal. The need of contributing to the adaptability of the organization is captured by the following principle of design for organizational information systems: In order to provide effective support to the functions of the organization it serves a computer-based information system must be compatible with the structure and the dynamics of these functions and with the adaptability of the organization. In particular, it must provide adequate support to the implicit (as well as to the explicit) control capabilities of the organization.