Applying Turner’s Three-Process Theory of Power to the study of power relations in a troubled information systems implementation

This paper explores the nature and exercise of power in an interpretive case study of a troubledinformation systems (IS) implementation in a university in the Asia Pacific region usingTurner’s Three-Process Theory of Power based on Social Identity Theory and SelfCategorisationTheory. The findings demonstrate the value of Turner’s theoretical lens as wellas its insufficiency for explaining all power related activities. This research has led to thedevelopment of an extended Three-Process Theory of Power by adding the alternativecomponents that emerged from the data in the case study in relation to the nature and exercisesof power. Based on the findings, we further recommend specific guidelines for IS theoreticiansand practitioners including advice to project managers on a range of key issues. Thus, thispaper contributes theorising the sources of power and tactical applications of power in givensituations, particularly in IS implementation projects