The Impact of Information Technology on the Society - Research Proposal Example

The Impact of Information Technology on the Society 15th, February, The Impact of Information Technology on the SocietyIntroduction Technology continues to play an indispensable role in the contemporary society. Information technology refers to usage of computer hardware and other software for the organization and management of data. Historically, information technology has been in existence for a long time since people have always had ways of communicating. However, the technologies used for communication have undergone modifications and become faster and efficient. Information technology is often referred as Management Information Services (MIS). It involves devices and processes used in storage, protection, processing, transmission, and retrieval of information. Initially, the field of information technology was less advanced and communication was less effective and expensive. However, the recent few decades have been characterized by great revolution in computing and communication, which are the indicators of advancement in information technology. The last few decades have been characterized by rapid progress in technology especially with the extensive spread of internet. The developments have revolutionized different fields such as business, education, and medicine. When humans began communicating, they made use of language and other simple techniques such as drawings. This era was pre-mechanical and there were no sophisticated communication devices. With time, human developed the alphabets, papers, and paper, which enhances written communication. This led to eventual development of books and libraries for information storage. Later on number systems were developed easing communication. Mechanization of communication technologies involved development of analogue computers such as Blaise Pascal, which was invented by Pascaline. Telecommunication was developed in the electromechanical period. The period involved creation of telegraph, telephone, and radio. This period was followed by large-scale production of computers that could be used at homes and offices. The period was followed by modern age, which is characterized by digitized computers. Recent developments involve invention of central processing units with logic and memory. Other inventions include personal computers. Literature Review According to Hirschheim and Heinz (2012), developments in the field of information technology were greatly enhanced by those in the field of science. The developments enhanced different aspects of the human life such as business and human interactions. Khattak, Nasir, and Sultan (2012) argue that developments in information technology have led to expansion of human communication. This has affected the cultures of different groups. Moreover, humans have been united and the world is more of a global village. This has been made possible by evolution of existing technologies and emergence of more advanced ones. The media industry can easily transmit information across the globe. According to Qun and Onwuegbuzie (2004), information technology has reshaped the education system. The technologies have been applied in various sectors of education such as in the libraries and made the studying procedures easier. Moreover, instructors can provide instruction in various forms without having to meet face to face with the students. Moreover, availability of internet and devices such as personal computers has made it possible for online courses. Another area where information technology has affected positively is management. Organizational management entails management of vast amount of data. Devices such as computers have enhanced different aspects of management. Such aspects include improved communication between management team and organization employees. Developments in information technology have enhanced how manager’s access and deal with employee information making operations within an organization better. Computers have made it easy for human resource managers to deal with employees (Erik, Dianna, & Eugene, 1999). Moreover, organizational processes such as hiring, promotions, and payment have been enhanced. Additionally, decision making in different organizations is now easier since person in different departments or even countries can share information. This is more so in international organizations operating across borders (Dang, 2005).  Developments in information technology have had negative impacts on the society. Huang (2009) argues that developments in information technology are a threat to employment. In his opinion, information has led to impacts that are more negative on the employees compared to the positive ones. This is because mechanization results in decreased employment since machines such as computers can manage large quantities of data. However, Huang (2009) agrees that information technology has altered the social aspects of social aspects. It is now possible for people living in various regions to interact easily without having to move about. This has been made possible by development of communication devices such as computers, smartphones and mobile phones in addition to enhance connectivity through use of internet. Therefore, innovations that have enhanced sharing of information are important since they have enhanced relations amongst humans. Moreover, the sharing of information has enhanced operations within health sectors improving health services provision (Masys, 2002). Another way in which information technology has affected the society negatively is reducing face-to-face interaction. Most people prefer using communication strategies such as social networks and mobile phones to interact with friends, Moreover, some organization use video conferences for interactions between management and the employees. This has led to reduced bonds amongst people (Khallaf & Terrance, 2007). Moreover, using media such as phone calls for purposes such as interviews may lead to hiring of employees who may be lacking effective skills such as communication skills. Innovations in information technology are important to contemporary society since they improve performance and interactions. Moreover, innovations in information technology make it easy for people to manage activities since they can communicate effectively and in good time. Proposal Technology remains an important component of human life. Different aspects and innovations regarding information technology have been studied. There has been vast research on various innovations regarding information technology. However, the field of information technology is quite broad. Therefore, there are various areas where research is still required. Moreover, there have been tendencies of researchers to focus on certain areas of information technology while others remain unstudied. Most studies describe information technology in relation to computing, telecommunication and media. Early studies focused on the different modes of communication and their impacts on the society. Most recent studies have focused on the electronic technologies. Most studies are computer based information technologies. Terms such as information society are frequently used in relation to the computer revolution as well as post-industrial society. However, most research has focused on social effects of information technology on the society. Most previous studies have focused on the different communication media used by humans. The recent studies have mainly focused on use of communication media for social interaction. Mainly the issue of social networking have been greatly studied. In relation to social networking, some studies have focused on the social impact of extensive use of social networks. Additionally, the impact of social networks on young people especially students have been studies by quite a number of researchers. Additionally, most recent studies have been concerned with the adoption of computers and their roles in enhancing developments in information technologies. Another area that has been greatly studies is the effect of information technology in enhancing communication within organizations. The different information systems used in organizations have been studies especially those concerned with information processing. Such systems include those dealing with human resource. Additionally, there are quite a number of studies on different aspects of information technology such as computing, media and telecommunication (Erik, Dianna, & Eugene, 1999). There has been little research on how innovations in information technology have affected the society economically. Although information technology is mainly related to interactions between humans, it plays a major role in determining organizational success. Moreover, the level of development in information technology determines how well a country’s economy performs. For example, a country with advanced information technology is likely to have a thriving economy since multination companies can easily manage their companies across the globe. There is thus need for more research on the advantages as well as disadvantages of information technology to the economy. This is because the economy of a country is likely to affect the economy. The study should focus on information technological developments in the field of information technology. Although most studies suggest that information technology affects performance of employees in organizations, there is little study regarding the actual effects. Moreover, the studies that have studies these effects have emphasized on effect of information technology on the economy as a whole will little focus on how the society is affected. Additionally, the study should show how such developments have affected the economy. Moreover, the study should relate how the developments have contributed to improvement or deterioration of the societal living standards. Annotated Bibliography Dang, H. D. (2005). The impact of information technology on middle managers within business organizations. Touro University International). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 123-123 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/305343136?accountid=45049. (305343136). The article focused on the role of information technologies in determining the number of middle line managers required to operate an organization. With technology, a single manager can perform vast duties. Moreover, innovations such as microcomputers enable managers within different departments to share and manage data effectively. Therefore, information technologies have enhanced the lives of employees. Moreover, organizations can offer better and timely services to the society. Huang, X. (2009). The risk of information technology on employment. Asian Culture and History, 1(2), 108-112. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/839754093?accountid=45049 The article is based on a study on how developments in information technologies have affected employment. Huang argues that the role of information technology in the society is indispensable. However, he admits that technology requires people to acquire advanced technological skills to acquire employment. Moreover, some developments in the field of information technology result in replacement of human labor by machines. Hirschheim, R., & Heinz, K. K. (2012). A glorious and not-so-short history of the information systems field. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 13(4), 188-235. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1017887500?accountid=45049 The article is based on the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) held in Charlotte in 1999. The article focuses on the history of information technologies. The article describes the various eras that have contributed to advancement in information technologies. The article suggests the need for shared history on information systems to enhance bridging of communication gaps. Moreover, the authors argue that there has been biasness in examination of developments in information systems. Khattak, A., Nasir, M., & Sultan, K. (2012). The Role of Information Technology in Media Industry. International Journal of Business & Social Science, 3(6), 258-267. The article focuses on how advancement in information technology has affected the media industry. The developments have enhanced transmission of information through different media. However, the authors argue that explosion of the internet have led to anxiety as different media struggle to remain effective. Khallaf, A., & Terrance, R. S. (2007). The effects of information technology expertise on the market value of a firm. Journal of Information Systems, 21(1), 83-105. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/235923877?accountid=45049 The study focused on how the value of information technologies is expected to shift the market value of a firm. The researchers found out that firms are required to hire CIOs and CEOs who have expertise in information technologies to enable them run the firm effectively. This is because CIOs and CEOs have an important role in determining the success of a firm. Moreover, the study showed that information technologies are important in enhancing establishment and management of CIO positions. Qun, G. J., & Onwuegbuzie, A. (2004). The impact of information technology on library anxiety: The role of computer attitudes. Information Technology and Libraries, 23(4), 138-144. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215829065?accountid=45049 Their study focused on the effects of information technology on especially the computer based technologies on the student’s attitude towards libraries. The studies showed that most students have negative attitude towards computers, which contributes to library anxiety. The study suggests that there is need for students to familiarize themselves with basic computer skills to enable them use libraries. Moreover, the study point out at the ways in which information technology has revolutionized learning institutions and the academic society. Masys, D. R. (2002). Effects of current and future information technologies on the health care workforce. Health Affairs, 21(5), 33-41. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/204640408?accountid=45049 The article focuses on how information technologies have affected the health systems. Masys argues that information technologies have affected decision making in the health sector by enhancing sharing of information between different departments. Moreover, the innovations have enhanced growth of knowledge in the health sector. Another effect of information technology has been on how jobs are distributed in the health sector. Erik, R. E., Dianna, L. S., & Eugene, F. S. (1999). The effects of information management policies on reactions to human resource information systems: An integration of privacy and procedural justice perspectives. Personnel Psychology, 52(2), 335-358. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/220149162?accountid=45049 The article focuses on how innovations in information technology have affected human resource management in organizations. The authors argue that the innovations have reduced invasion of employees’ privacy and enhanced fairness in processes such as hiring. Moreover, information technologies are crucial to data management in an organization. References Dang, H. D. (2005). The impact of information technology on middle managers within business organizations. Touro University International). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 123-123 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/305343136?accountid=45049. (305343136). Erik, R. E., Dianna, L. S., & Eugene, F. S. (1999). The effects of information management policies on reactions to human resource information systems: An integration of privacy and procedural justice perspectives. Personnel Psychology, 52(2), 335-358. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/220149162?accountid=45049 Hirschheim, R., & Heinz, K. K. (2012). A glorious and not-so-short history of the information systems field. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 13(4), 188-235. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1017887500?accountid=45049 Huang, X. (2009). The risk of information technology on employment. Asian Culture and History, 1(2), 108-112. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/839754093?accountid=45049 Khallaf, A., & Terrance, R. S. (2007). The effects of information technology expertise on the market value of a firm. Journal of Information Systems, 21(1), 83-105. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/235923877?accountid=45049 Khattak, A., Nasir, M., & Sultan, K. (2012). The Role of Information Technology in Media Industry. International Journal of Business & Social Science, 3(6), 258-267. Masys, D. R. (2002). Effects of current and future information technologies on the health care workforce. Health Affairs, 21(5), 33-41. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/204640408?accountid=45049 Qun, G. J., & Onwuegbuzie, A. (2004). The impact of information technology on library anxiety: The role of computer attitudes. Information Technology and Libraries, 23(4), 138-144. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215829065?accountid=45049 Read More