Intention and effect of IS solutions: does risk management stifle creativity?

This paper considers the impact of information systems (IS) solutions on creativity and innovation within organizations and the associated role of risk assessment. It does this through an analysis of the results of two diverse studies. The studies are, respectively, an investigation of the relationship between the intention behind the initiation of an IS project and the post-implementation effect of the system on the organization; and an analysis of tensions that appear to exist between creativity and the norm of software systems. Both studies are empirically based, but take data from very distinct and diverse areas, i.e. large financial and manufacturing organizations, and composers of electroacoustic music, respectively. The final part of the paper argues that better IS project management and risk management in particular has the potential for reducing divergence between intended and actual IS project outcomes evident in the first study, but this may also have adverse effects. Organizations in all walks of life rely on the creativity and innovation of their employees, but risk management is concerned with applying constraints on the nature and implementation of IS solutions. Specifically, results from the second study suggest that conservative IS solutions that may result from rigorous risk management may impede creative activities. Thus, the paper identifies a need for further research into creativity and its implications for IS solutions and their management.