The Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST) is group communication theory based on Anthony Giddens' structuration theory. According to Giddens, AST is formulated as "the production and reproduction of the social systems through the group members' use of rules and resources in interaction." It studies the interaction of groups and organizations within information technology by criticizing the technocentric view of technology use and emphasizing the social aspects of communications. These groups and organizations dynamically create perceptions about the role and utility of technology, and how it can be applied to their activities. Groups and organizations develop rules and resources which are defined as structures. These structures form social systems which develop a life of their own. The quality of the fabric affects decision-making, and decisions also affect the structure. These perceptions influence the way how information technology is used and hence mediate its impact on group outcomes. Adaptive Structural Theory (AST) is a viable approach for studying the role of advanced information technologies in organizational changes, thus examine the change process from two vantage points; the types of structures provided by the advanced technologies, and the structures that actually emerge in human action as people interact with these technologies.
Gopal, A., Bostrom, R. P., & Chin, W. W. (1992). Applying adaptive structuration theory to investigate the process of group support systems use. Journal of management information systems, 9(3), 45-69.
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According to Gopal, Bostrom & Chin (1992), Adaptive structuration theory (AST) provides a sound basis from which to study the use of group support systems (GSS). The need for a theoretical approach such as AST is especially urgent because it helps explain the process of GSS use, thereby providing insights into the reasons for inconsistent research results. This article illustrates the development of a research model based on AST and reports the results of a study conducted from this model. The independent variables in the survey were task and technology. The model's process component was represented by the attitudes of group members toward the technology they used. The six attitude dimensions were obtained from AST as well as from other information technology researchers. The model was tested using the partial least squares (PLS) technique. The article is essential in the research because it highlights how the attitude of group members towards technology affects the outcome of its efficiency, as well as the relationship between group members. It also builds on the correct application of the theory in investigating the process of group support systems use. In other words, it shows how the accurate, or incorrect application of the theory affects the operations of group systems use, and how these could, in turn, affect the relationship between group members. It also points out the factors to consider in the application of the theory.
Pozzebon, M., & Pinsonneault, A. (2005). Challenges in conducting empirical work using structuration theory: Learning from IT research. Organization studies , 26(9), 1353-1376.
Pozzebon and her counterpart Pinsonneault build on the challenges of AST. According to the pair, this structuration theory is complex, involving concepts and general propositions that operate at a high level of abstraction. The other challenge presented is that the structuration theory is not easily coupled to any specific research method or methodological approach, and as such, it is difficult to apply empirically. Arguing that structuration theory is a valuable framework for an effective understanding of management, organization and related subjects of inquiry, the journal article aims to improve the application of structuration theory in empirical work through drawing on the experience in information technology (IT) research. It also identifies patterns of use of Adaptive Structuration Theory in publications in the domain of IT and then describes how IT researchers have attempted to address its significant empirical challenges. The article presents a repertoire of research strategies that might guide students of an organization in dealing with the elements that are central to structuration theory: the duality of structure, time/space, and actors' knowledgeability. I find the arguments of the article compelling since it not only points out the areas of weakness or the flaws therein, but it also provides scholars with solutions and practical approach in dealing with these challenges. It is of great insight in understanding the model holistically; its strengths as well as its weaknesses. More so, it does an excellent job of guiding students from various organizations on the correct approach to take when dealing with the elements of the theory. Rather than taking a critic approach, it offers guidance on how to go about the challenges and the correct application for maximum quality.
Poole, M. S. (2009). Response to Jones and Karsten," Giddens's Structuration Theory and Information Systems Research." MIS Quarterly , 33(3), 583-587.
In this article, Marshall Scott Poole, a professor at the Department of Communication, University of Illinois, publishes a response message to a recently published article by Jones and Kristen. In the article, Jones and Kristen had provided a review of the theory, mentioning its strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for application. In as much as Poole agrees with the former article, he points out the conclusions had been narrowly drawn. He points out that AST was not just meant to translate Giddens' theory into an information systems context directly, instead, it drew on an amalgam of scholarship that negotiated for other aspects like order perspective, structuralism, and conversational and discourse analysis. This deeply informative article is critical in analyzing the theory in question. It points out in the areas of observation the theory was based upon. By so doing, it points out the generic application in the study of IS and implementation and use, as well as in other contexts. The author also explicitly argues for a social constructionist and reflexive approach to the concepts of the theory. The reason this article is critical in analyzing the theory is that rather than narrowing down the theory's application to technological groups and their relations, it expounds on the other contexts and shows the possibility of the theory being applied in areas that do not necessarily involve either group communications or technological groups, or both.
In conclusion, it is essential to note that the Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST) is a complex model, just like any other theory model of communication. It presents a practical approach to issues affecting communication within a group. Though it also has its setbacks and weaknesses. In holistically understanding the theory, it is vital that any learner is made aware of the complexities, challenges, and strengths of the theory. The articles presented in this case deal with the challenges of the theory, its strengths, and practicality. They also provide a guide tool on how to best adapt the theoretical model for the various situations and instances. But most importantly, they build on the complexities of the theory; it is essential for learners to understand that the theory being complex in nature could apply to various situations other than the one initially modeled for. As such, it is essential that they learn what aspects of the model to restructure best to apply to their situations.
References
Gopal, A., Bostrom, R. P., & Chin, W. W. (1992). Applying adaptive structuration theory to investigate the process of group support systems use. Journal of management information systems, 9(3), 45-69.
Poole, M. S. (2009). Response to Jones and Karsten," Giddens's Structuration Theory and Information Systems Research." MIS Quarterly, 33(3), 583-587.
Pozzebon, M., & Pinsonneault, A. (2005). Challenges in conducting empirical work using structuration theory: Learning from IT research. Organization studies, 26(9), 1353- 1376.
