IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS IN ADOPTION OF GIS TECHNOLOGY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Acquisition of geographic information system (GIS) technology is only the first step toward its effective use by an organization. The research reported in this article compares the relative success of GIS implementation within four agencies of a North Carolina county government. Using innovation diffusion theory as a basis, the research study identified implementation phases, targets, paths, and outcomes in each agency. Outcomes ranged from complete adoption in a school transportation department to failure to adopt in a comprehensive planning section. Implementation effectiveness in these cases depended both on choice of proper strategy, as related to the agency's organizational environment, and on commitment of adequate management resources to overcome institutional and individual obstacles.