The Information Panopticon in the Big Data Era

Authors

  • Martin Berner University of Mannheim Institute for Enterprise Systems (InES) Schloss 68131 Mannheim, Germany SAP AG 69190 Walldorf, Germany
  • Enrico Graupner University of Mannheim Institute for Enterprise Systems (InES) Schloss 68131 Mannheim, Germany Commerz Business Consulting GmbH 60327 Frankfurt (Main), Germany
  • Alexander Maedche University of Mannheim Business School Chair of Information Systems IV (ERIS) Institute for Enterprise Systems (InES) Schloss 68131 Mannheim, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7146/jod.9736

Keywords:

Big Data, Information Visibility, Visibility Paradox, Control, Empowerment

Abstract

Taking advantage of big data opportunities is challenging for traditional organizations. In this article, we take a panoptic view of big data – obtaining information from more sources and making it visible to all organizational levels. We suggest that big data requires the transformation from command and control hierarchies to post-bureaucratic organizational structures wherein employees at all levels can be empowered while simultaneously being controlled. We derive propositions that show how to best exploit big data technologies in organizations.

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Published

2014-04-10

How to Cite

Berner, M., Graupner, E., & Maedche, A. (2014). The Information Panopticon in the Big Data Era. Journal of Organization Design, 3(1), 14–19. https://doi.org/10.7146/jod.9736

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2014): Special Issue on Big Data and Organization Design

Section

Research Article

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