Yes, Minister: Satire in Information Systems Research

This paper explores the use of the alternative genre of satire in conjunction with conventional academic discourse in order to provide insight into information systems development and implementation in government. An outsourcing project for the development and implementation of a new payroll system for the New Zealand education sector provides the focus; this project was just one of a series of problematic IT implementations that have occurred in recent years in New Zealand's public sector. The public availability of documentation relating to the payroll project provides a rich dataset for analysis. However, it is evident that this documentation only provides partial insight into the political tensions and influences at play. Satire has developed as the genre of choice in non-academic discourse as a means of critically commenting on political decision making, the question considered in this paper is whether it can be usefully used in conjunction with other, more conventional academic genres. To explore this question, and demonstrate the potential value of satire, a body of satirical data relating to the outsourcing case is combined with stakeholder theory to reveal critical insights about the case. 1 Introduction The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of the alternative genre of satire in order to provide insight into information systems development and implementation in government. A specific case of an outsourcing project for the development and implementation of a payroll system (Novopay) for the New Zealand education sector provides the focus. The problems experienced with Novopay and resulting public outcry were such that the Ministry responsible has made a large body of related official documentation freely accessible. However, it is clear that the Novopay project was just one of a series of problematic IT implementations that have occurred in recent years in New Zealand's public sector. The challenge therefore is not simply analysing the rich data source that has been made available, but to make sure that the nature of roles played and the range of stakeholder impacts are identified, and furthermore to communicate the findings effectively to researchers and practitioners, while navigating political sensitivities. Satire has developed as the genre of choice in non-academic discourse as a means of commenting on political decision making. The question considered by this paper is whether it can be