1. ¹University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2. ²Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia

Correspondence: Jeanette Van Akkeren, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Tel: +6 175 499 7226; E-mail: jvanakke@usc.edu.au

Received 28 February 2007; Revised 15 July 2007; Re-revised 19 August 2007; Accepted 27 September 2007.

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a study of an organisationally mandated assimilation process of an enterprise-wide information system in a radiology practice in Australia. A number of interviews with radiologists, radiographers and administrative staff are used to explore the impact of institutional structures on the assimilation process. The case study develops an argument that culture within and outside the Australian Radiology Practice (ARP), social structures within the ARP and organisational-level management mandates have impacted on the assimilation process. The study develops a theoretical framework that integrates elements of social actor theory (Lamb & Kling, 2003) to provide a more fine-grained analysis concentrating on the relationships among the radiology practitioners, the technology (an enterprise-wide Health Information System), and a larger social milieu surrounding its use. This study offers several theoretical and practical implications for technology assimilation in the health and radiology industry regarding the important roles social interactions, individual self-perceptions, organisational mandates and policies can play in assimilating new ICTs.