Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and Social Choices - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0124150403 ISBN 13: 9780124150409

Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann, 1996

Synopsis

The Second Edition of Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and Social Choices is a collection of 78 articles that examine the social aspects of computerization from a variety of perspectives, many presenting important viewpoints not often discussed in the conventional literature. A number of paired articles comprise thought-provoking head-on debate. Fields represented include computer science, information systems, management, journalism, psychology, law, library science, and sociology.

This volume introduces some of the major controversies surrounding the computerization of society and helps readers recognize the social processes that drive and shape computerization. Division into eight provocatively titled sections facilitates course planning for classroom or seminar use. A lead article for each section frames the major controversies, locates the selections within the debates, and points to other relevant literature.

• A fully revised and updated version of the first anthological treatment of the subject
• Organized to facilitate course planning for classroom or seminar use
• Provides coverage of the influence of computers on a wide variety of fields including computer science, information systems, management, journalism, psychology, law, library science, and sociology

About this title

About the Author

For approximately two decades, Rob Kling has written extensively about the interface between computerization and real society and culture. The emphasis here is on the impact of computerization on organizations (especially corporations) , rather than on individuals within a society as a whole. The eight parts of this book provide a general overview of mental models, technological utopianism and dystopianism, economic and organizational dimensions, the work environment, social and personal relationships, privacy and social control, safety and vulnerability, and ethical perspectives and professional responsibilities. Each introduction concludes with a very useful list of the sources where the anthologized chapters can be found along with a list of references for other publications cited in Kling's introductions and items for further reading. It seems to be written primarily for an undergraduate readership, but could teach and delight graduate students, teachers, information professionals, and the common reader.

From the Back Cover

The Second Edition of Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and Social Choices is a collection of 78 articles that examine the social aspects of computerization from a variety of perspectives, many presenting important viewpoints not often discussed in the conventional literature. A number of paired articles comprise thought-provoking head-on debate. Fields represented include computer science, information systems, management, journalism, psychology, law, library science, and sociology.

This volume introduces some of the major controversies surrounding the computerization of society and helps readers recognize the social processes that drive and shape computerization.
Division into eight provocatively titled sections facilitates course planning for classroom or seminar use. A lead article for each section frames the major controversies, locates the selections within the debates, and points to other relevant literature.

Features

• A fully revised and updated version of the first anthological treatment of the subject
  
  
• Organized to facilitate course planning for classroom or seminar use
  
  
• Provides coverage of the influence of computers on a wide variety of fields including computer science, information systems, management, journalism, psychology, law, library science, and sociology
  
  
• Includes discussion of the following issues related to computerization:
  
  
• Does computerization demonstrably improve the productivity of organizations?
  
  
• Should computer systems be designed to empower workers?
  
  
• Does electronic mail facilitate the formation of new communities, or does it undermine intimate interaction?
  
  
• Is computerization likely to reduce privacy and personal freedom?

Edition details

• Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0124150403
• ISBN 13: 9780124150409
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 961
• Editor: Kling Rob