Effects of chargeout on user/manager attitutes

The relationship of internal pricing systems for computer services (chargeout systems) and user management attitudes about their computer-based information systems is investigated. Evidence is provided that the relationship conforms to a general pattern that would be expected from the hypothesis of the four stages of EDP growth [15]. The results also indicate that the chargeout systems characteristic of advanced EDP stage environments are associated with relatively high levels of positive user attitudes and marked increases in EDP training for users. Both factors are important to the user/manager involvement necessary for effective control of computer-based systems. Development and maintenance of computer-based systems is asserted to be a category of organizational change. A “felt need” for the change on the part of the user/manager is pre-requisite to any change taking place. The research methods of behavioral science are applied to investigate the user/manager environment and the effects of charge-out.

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