The Role of Social Networks and Artefacts in Technology Appropriation

This paper examines the role of social networks and artefacts in technology appropriation in an educational environment. We use a qualitative research method to illustrate that social networks and accompanying artefacts form an integral part of the process of appropriation. Our findings suggest three ways in which people appropriate technology for successful longer-term use: 1) adapting work practices to fit the technology, 2) adapting both technology and work practices and 3) integrating technologies and redesigning work practices in work environments. Findings also suggest that, for effective use of technologies, social networks alone may not be enough in encouraging technology use. A combination of social networks and manual and automated artefacts is necessary in supporting and enabling productive technology use. Further, it’s important that managers, IT professionals and trainers realize that lead users play important roles in creating new socialartefact networks and enable new and effective ways of using technology.