The Information Paradox: Realizing the Business Benefits of Information Technology

As corporations invest more and more in cutting-edge computer telecommunications technology, figuring out how these investments impact the bottom line is increasingly problematic. While CIO's and other strategic leaders eagerly sign up for newer and jazzier systems, it has become the job of line managers to figure out how to manage these high-tech toys--and to measure whether or not they are effective. The paradox lies in this very problem: without tools to measure results, how can we effectively implement new technology? "Information technology," after all, is about providing new information. But these systems fail to provide the most crucial bit of information managers need: Is this technology paying off for my company?