Open government data platforms – A complex adaptive sociomaterial systems perspective

Marjanovic, O; Cecez-Kecmanovic, D

Open government data platforms – A complex adaptive sociomaterial systems perspective

Marjanovic, O

Cecez-Kecmanovic, D

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Publisher:: Elsevier BV
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Information and Organization, 2020, 30, (4), pp. 100323-100323
Issue Date:: 2020-12-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Marjanovic, O https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8362-0982
dc.contributor.author	Cecez-Kecmanovic, D
dc.date.accessioned	2021-03-01T04:46:24Z
dc.date.available	2021-03-01T04:46:24Z
dc.date.issued	2020-12-01
dc.identifier.citation	Information and Organization, 2020, 30, (4), pp. 100323-100323
dc.identifier.issn	1471-7727
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/146563
dc.description.abstract	© 2020 Elsevier Ltd In this paper we focus on the emerging phenomenon of Open Government Data Platforms (OGDPs), in particular those that provide open performance data to general public. Governments world-wide continue to implement these platforms, aiming to increase transparency and accountability. However, in spite of their positive intentions, ODGPs that provide performance data (e.g. about schools or hospitals) are reported to create serious harmful social effects. While the related literature has reported numerous cases of these unintended effects, the questions regarding why and how they emerge remain open. This is not surprising, given the complexity and dynamics of processes instigated through the use of ODGPs by a very large number of known and unknowable actors. Through a diffractive reading of complexity theories, in particular Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) and sociomateriality, in this paper we propose a Complex Adaptive Sociomaterial Systems (CASS) theorization of OGDPs. Drawing from a case of OGDP in Australia called My School, which provides open performance data for more than 10.000 schools, we demonstrate how the proposed theoretical lens of CASS enables us to reveal and explain why and how these platforms perform unintended, yet serious social harm. Given that OGDPs are rapidly emerging around the world, our research opens a pathway for a research-informed public discourse about their harmful effects and responsibilities of different stakeholders.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Elsevier BV
dc.relation.ispartof	Information and Organization
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.infoandorg.2020.100323
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccess
dc.subject	0806 Information Systems, 0807 Library and Information Studies
dc.subject.classification	Information Systems
dc.title	Open government data platforms – A complex adaptive sociomaterial systems perspective
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	30
utslib.for	0806 Information Systems
utslib.for	0807 Library and Information Studies
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - PERSWADE - Centre on Persuasive Systems for Wise Adaptive Living
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Professional Practice and Leadership
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
utslib.copyright.embargo	2022-12-01T00:00:00+1000Z
dc.date.updated	2021-03-01T04:46:23Z
pubs.issue	4
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	30
utslib.citation.issue	4

Abstract:

© 2020 Elsevier Ltd In this paper we focus on the emerging phenomenon of Open Government Data Platforms (OGDPs), in particular those that provide open performance data to general public. Governments world-wide continue to implement these platforms, aiming to increase transparency and accountability. However, in spite of their positive intentions, ODGPs that provide performance data (e.g. about schools or hospitals) are reported to create serious harmful social effects. While the related literature has reported numerous cases of these unintended effects, the questions regarding why and how they emerge remain open. This is not surprising, given the complexity and dynamics of processes instigated through the use of ODGPs by a very large number of known and unknowable actors. Through a diffractive reading of complexity theories, in particular Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) and sociomateriality, in this paper we propose a Complex Adaptive Sociomaterial Systems (CASS) theorization of OGDPs. Drawing from a case of OGDP in Australia called My School, which provides open performance data for more than 10.000 schools, we demonstrate how the proposed theoretical lens of CASS enables us to reveal and explain why and how these platforms perform unintended, yet serious social harm. Given that OGDPs are rapidly emerging around the world, our research opens a pathway for a research-informed public discourse about their harmful effects and responsibilities of different stakeholders.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/146563