Geoff Walsham

Professor Emeritus of Management Studies

BA, MA (University of Oxford), MSc (University of Warwick), LittD (University of Cambridge)

My research examined the development, use and management of information and communication technologies and systems; and implications for work, organisations and societies.

Cambridge Judge Business School.

My details

Contact details

+44 (0)1223 339606

[email protected]

Academic area

Organisational Theory and Information Systems

Professional experience

Professor Walsham worked for 4 years as an operational research analyst at BP Chemicals before taking up academic posts in operational research and then information systems. He has extensive international experience having worked as a teacher, researcher or consultant in over 25 countries in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. He was part of the senior management team for the telecommunications company Analysys during its start-up and early growth phases. Professor Walsham has also held university management posts including being Director of the Cambridge MBA. He has wide editorial experience, having been a Senior Editor of both MIS Quarterly and Information Systems Research, and he is currently an editorial board member of a number of other academic journals.

Previous appointments

Professor Walsham has held lectureships at Mindanao State University in the Philippines, the University of Nairobi in Kenya, and the University of Cambridge, and a professorship at the University of Lancaster.

Publications

Books, monographs, reports and case studies

  • Walsham, G. (2001) Making a world of difference: IT in a global context. Chichester: Wiley.
  • Avgerou, C. and Walsham, G. (eds.) (2000) Information technology in context: studies from the perspective of developing countries. Aldershot: Ashgate.
  • Sahay, S. and Walsham, G., for UNIDO (1997) Use of geographical information systems in developing countries: social and management issues. Vienna: UNIDO and the International Centre for Science and High Technology.
  • Orlikowski, W., Walsham, G., Jones, M.R. and DeGross, J. (eds.) (1996) Information technology and changes in organizational work: proceedings of the IFIP WG8.2 Working Conference on Information Technology and Changes in Organizational Work, December 1995, Cambridge, England. London: Chapman and Hall.
  • Walsham, G. (1993) Interpreting information systems in organizations. Chichester: Wiley.

Journal articles

  • Vaast, E. and Walsham, G. (2013) “Grounded theorizing for electronically mediated social contexts.” European Journal of Information Systems, 22(1): 9-25 (DOI: 10.1057/ejis.2011.26)
  • Walsham, G. (2013) “Development informatics in a changing world: reflections from ICTD2010/2012.” Information Technologies and International Development, 9(1): 49–54
  • Walsham, G. (2012) “Are we making a better world with ICTs? Reflections on a future agenda for the IS field.” Journal of Information Technology, 27(2): 87-93 (DOI: 10.1057/jit.2012.4)
  • Walsham, G. (2012) “A better world with ICTs? Response to the commentaries.” Journal of Information Technology, 27(3): 255-257 (DOI: 10.1057/jit.2012.16)
  • Mingers, J. and Walsham, G. (2010) “Toward ethical information systems: the contribution of discourse ethics.” MIS Quarterly, 34(4): 833-854
  • Thompson, M. and Walsham, G. (2010) “ICT research in Africa: need for a strategic developmental focus.” Information Technology for Development, 16(2): 112-127 (DOI: 10.1080/02681101003737390)
  • Walsham, G. (2010) “ICTs for the broader development of India: an analysis of the literature.” The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, 41(4): 1-20
  • Madon, S., Reinhard, M., Roode, D. and Walsham, G. (2009) “Digital inclusion projects in developing countries: processes of institutionalization.” Information Technology for Development, 15(2): 95-107 (DOI: 10.1002/itdj.20108)
  • Vaast, E. and Walsham, G. (2009) “Trans-situated learning: supporting a network of practice with an information infrastructure.” Information Systems Research, 20(4): 547-564 (DOI: 10.1287/isre.1080.0228)
  • Zheng, Y. and Walsham, G. (2008) “Inequality of what? Social exclusion in the e-society as capability deprivation.” Information Technology and People, 21(3): 222-243 (DOI: 10.1108/09593840810896000)
  • Joshi, S., Barrett, M., Walsham, G. and Cappleman, S. (2007) “Balancing local knowledge within global organisations through computer-based systems: an activity theory approach.” Journal of Global Information Management, 15(3): 1-19
  • Noir, C. and Walsham, G. (2007) “The great legitimizer: ICT as myth and ceremony in the Indian healthcare sector.” Information Technology and People, 20(4): 313-333 (DOI: 10.1108/09593840710839770)
  • Sahay, S. and Walsham, G. (2006) “Scaling of health information systems in India: challenges and approaches.” Information Technology for Development, 12(3): 185-200 (DOI: 10.1002/itdj.20041)
  • Walsham, G., Robey, F. and Sahay, S. (2007) “Foreword: special issue on information systems in developing countries.” MIS Quarterly, 31(2): 317-326
  • Walsham, G. (2006) “Doing interpretive research.” European Journal of Information Systems, 15(3): 320-330 (DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.ejis.3000589)
  • Walsham, G. and Sahay, S. (2006) “Research on information systems in developing countries: current landscape and future prospects.” Information Technology for Development, 12(1): 7-24
  • Barrett, M., Fryatt, B., Walsham, G. and Joshi, S. (2005) “Building bridges between local and global knowledge: new ways of working at the World Health Organisation.” Knowledge Management for Development Journal (KM4D), 1(2): 31-46
  • Krishna, S. and Walsham, G. (2005) “Implementing public information systems in developing countries: learning from a success story.” Information Technology for Development, 11(2): 123-140
  • Scott, S.V. and Walsham, G. (2005) “Reconceptualizing and managing reputation risk in the knowledge economy: toward reputable action.” Organization Science, 16(3): 308-322
  • Vaast, E. and Walsham, G. (2005) “Representations and actions: the transformation of work practices with IT use.” Information and Organization, 15(1): 65-89
  • Walsham, G. (2005) “Agency theory: integration or a thousand flowers?” Scandinavian Journal of Information Systems, 17(1): 153-158
  • Walsham, G. (2005) “Development, global futures and IS research: a polemic.” Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 14(1): 5-15
  • Walsham, G. (2005) “Knowledge management systems: representation and communication in context.” Systems, Signs and Actions, 1(1): 6-18
  • Walsham, G. (2005) “Learning about being critical.” Information Systems Journal, 15(2): 111-117
  • Barrett, M., Cappleman, S., Shoib, G. and Walsham, G. (2004) “Learning in knowledge communities: managing technology and context.” European Management Journal, 22(1): 1-11
  • Krishna, S., Sahay, S. and Walsham, G. (2004) “Managing cross-cultural issues in global software outsourcing.” Communications of the ACM, 47(4): 62-66
  • Thompson, M.P.A. and Walsham, G. (2004) “Placing knowledge management in context.” Journal of Management Studies, 41(5): 725-747
  • Barrett, M., Jarvenpaa, S., Silva, L. and Walsham, G. (2003) “ICTs, globalization and local diversity.” Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 11: 486-497
  • Walsham, G. (2002) “Cross-cultural software production and use: a structurational analysis.” MIS Quarterly, 26(4): 359-380
  • Walsham, G. (2002) “What can knowledge management systems deliver?”Management Communication Quarterly, 16(2): 267-273
  • Barrett, M., Sahay, S. and Walsham, G. (2001) “Information technology and social transformation: GIS for forestry management in India.” Information Society, 17(1): 5-20
  • Hayes, N. and Walsham, G. (2001) “Participation in groupware-mediated communities of practice: a socio-economic analysis of knowledge working.” Information and Organization, 11(4): 263-288
  • Walsham, G. (2001) “Knowledge management: the benefits and limitations of computer systems.” European Management Journal, 19(6): 599-608
  • Hayes, N. and Walsham, G. (2000) “Competing interpretations of computer-supported cooperative work in organizational contexts.” Organization, 7(1): 49-67
  • Barrett, M. and Walsham, G. (1999) “Electronic trading and work transformation in the London Insurance Market.” Information Systems Research, 10(1): 1-22
  • Walsham, G. and Sahay, S. (1999) “GIS for district-level administration in India: problems and opportunities.” MIS Quarterly, 23(1): 39-66
  • Myers, M.D. and Walsham, G. (1998) “Guest editorial: Exemplifying interpretive research in information systems: an overview.” Journal of Information Technology, 13(4): 233-234
  • Walsham, G. (1998) “IT and changing professional identity: micro-studies and macro-theory.” Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 49(12): 1081-1089
  • Sahay, S. and Walsham, G. (1997) “Social structure and managerial agency in India.” Organization Studies, 18(3): 415-444
  • Sahay, S. and Walsham, G. (1996) “Implementation of GIS in India: organizational issues and implications.” International Journal of Geographical Information Systems, 10(4): 385-404
  • Walsham, G. (1996) “Editorial: Organizational secrecy: some proposals for a way forward.” European Journal of Information Systems, 4: 195-197
  • Walsham, G. (1996) “Ethical theory, codes of ethics and IS practice.” Information Systems Journal, 6: 69-81
  • Walsham, G. (1996) “Exploring the intellectual structures of information systems development: a short critique.” Accounting, Management and Information Technologies, 6(1/2): 133-135
  • Barrett, M. and Walsham, G. (1995) “Managing IT for business innovation: issues of culture, learning, and leadership in a Jamaican insurance company.” Journal of Global Information Management, 3(3): 25-33
  • Barrett, M. and Walsham, G. (1995) “Using IT to support business innovation: a case study of the London Insurance Market.” Scandinavian Journal of Information Systems, 7(2): 3-21
  • Madon, S. and Walsham, G. (1995) “Decentralised information systems for development planning in India: context/process interaction.” Information Infrastructure and Policy, 4(2): 163-179
  • Sahay, S. and Walsham, G. (1995) “Information technology in developing countries: a need for theory building.” Information Technology for Development, 6: 111-124
  • Walsham, G. (1995) “The emergence of interpretivism in IS research.” Information Systems Research, 6(4): 376-394
  • Walsham, G. (1995) “Interpretive case studies in IS research: nature and method.” European Journal of Information Systems, 4(2): 74-81
  • Walsham, G. (1994) “Virtual organization: an alternative view.” Information Society, 10(4): 289-292
  • Walsham, G. and Waema, T. (1994) “Information systems strategy and implementation: a case study of a building society.” ACM Transactions on Information Systems, 12(2): 150-173
  • Walsham, G. (1993) “Decentralization of IS in developing countries: power to the people?” Journal of Information Technology, 8(2): 74-81
  • Walsham, G. (1993) “Reading the organization: metaphors and information management.” Journal of Information Systems, 3: 33-46
  • Walsham, G. and Han, C.K. (1993) “Information systems strategy formation and implementation: the case of a central government agency.” Accounting, Management and Information Technologies, 3(3): 191-209
  • Walsham, G. (1992) “Management science and organisational change: a framework for analysis.” Omega: International Journal of Management Science, 20(1): 1-9
  • Walsham, G. and Han, C.-K. (1991) “Structuration theory and information systems research.” Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, 17: 77-85
  • Waema, T.M. and Walsham, G. (1990) “Information systems strategy formation in a developing country bank.” Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 38(4): 393-407
  • Kaul, M., Walsham, G. and Symons, V. (1989) “Management of technological change: themes and issues.” Information Technology for Development, 4(2): 75-90
  • Walsham, G. (1989) “The application of IT in organisations: some trends and issues.” Information Technology for Development, 4(2): 627-644
  • Symons, V. and Walsham, G. (1988) “The evaluation of information systems: a critique.” Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, 15: 119-132
  • Walsham, G., Symons, V. and Waema, T. (1988) “Information systems as social systems: implications for developing countries.” Information Technology for Development, 3(3): 189-204
  • Doubleday, C. and Walsham, G. (1986) “A model of information activity in organisations.” Omega: The International Journal of Management Science, 14(3): 207-212
  • Luck, M. and Walsham, G. (1986) “A teacher’s network for Third World O.R..” Journal of the Operational Research Society, 37(2): 211-216
  • Doubleday, C., Probert, D. and Walsham, G. (1983) “A strategic model of communications demand.” Omega: The International Journal of Management Science, 11(4): 343-354
  • Walsham, G. (1983) “Telephone systems in the Third World: a research project.” Journal of the Operational Research Society, 34(3): 225-231
  • Cleevely, D. and Walsham, G. (1980) “Telecommunications models: planning for regional development in LDCs.” Telecommunications Policy, 4(2): 108-118
  • Walsham, G. (1979) “Models for telecommunications strategy in the LDCs.” Telecommunications Policy, 3(2): 105-115
  • Walsham, G. (1978) “Education in operational research for the developing countries.” Journal of the Operational Research Society, 29(4): 299-306
  • Slater, C. and Walsham, G. (1975) “A systems simulation model of the Kenyan economy.” Omega: The International Journal of Management Science, 3(5): 557-567
  • Walsham, G. (1974) “Computer simulation model applied to design problems of a petrochemical complex.” Operational Research Quarterly, 25(3): 399-410

Book chapters

  • Walsham, G. (2008) “ICTs and global working in a non-flat world.” In Barrett, M., Davidson, E., Middleton, C., and DeGross, J.I. (eds.): Information technology in the service economy: challenges and possibilities for the 21st century. Boston, MA: Springer, pp.13-25
  • Hayes, N. and Walsham, G. (2007) “Participation in groupware-mediated communities of practice: a socio-political analysis of knowledge working.” In Galliers, R.D., Markus, M.L. and Newell, S. (eds.): Exploring information systems research approaches: readings and reflections. New York: Routledge, pp.82-100
  • Krishna, S., Sahay, S. and Walsham, G. (2006) “Managing cross-cultural issues in global software outsourcing.” In Hirschheim, R., Heinzl, A. and Dibbern, J. (eds.): Information systems outsourcing: enduring themes, new perspectives and global challenges. Berlin and Heidelberg: Springer Verlag, 2 edition, pp.651-658
  • Walsham, G. (2005) “Critical engagement: why, what and how?” In Howcroft, D. and Trauth, E.M. (eds.): Handbook of critical information systems research. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp.225-243
  • Hayes, N. and Walsham, G. (2003) “Knowledge sharing and ICTs: a relational perspective.” In Easterby-Smith, M. and Lyles, M.A. (eds.): The Blackwell handbook of organizational learning and knowledge management. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell Publishing, pp.54-77
  • Walsham, G. (2003) “Research methodologies for information systems in the development context: a tutorial.” In Krishna, S. and Madon, S. (eds.): Digital challenge: information technology in the development context. Aldershot: Ashgate, pp.83-89
  • Walsham, G. (2002) “Interpretive case studies in IS research: nature and method.” In Myers, M.D. and Avison, D. (eds.): Qualitative research in information systems: a reader. London: Sage, pp.101-113
  • Hayes, N. and Walsham, G. (2000) “Safe enclaves, political enclaves and knowledge working.” In Pritchard, C., Hull, R., Chumer, M. and Willmott, H. (eds.): Managing knowledge: critical investigations of work and learning. Basingstoke: Macmillan, pp.69-87
  • Walsham, G. (2000) “IT, globalisation and cultural diversity.” In Avgerou, C. and Walsham, G. (eds.): Information technology in context: studies from the perspective of developing countries. Aldershot: Ashgate, pp.291-303
  • Walsham, G. (1999) “Interpretive evaluation design for information systems.” In Willcocks, L.P. and Lester, S. (eds.): Beyond the IT productivity paradox. Chichester: Wiley, pp.363-380
  • Walsham, G. (1997) “Actor-network theory and IS research: current status and future prospects.” In Lee, A.S., Liebenau, J. and DeGross, J.I. (eds.): Information systems and qualitative research.London: Chapman and Hall, pp.466-480
  • Walsham, G. (1996) “Information technology in developing countries.” In Warner, M. (ed.): International encyclopedia of business and management.London: Routledge, 1st edition, pp.2113-2117
  • Symons, V. and Walsham, G. (1991) “The evaluation of information systems: a critique.” In Veryard, R. (ed.): The economics of information systems and software.Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann, pp.71-89
  • Walsham, G. (1981) “Modelling the spread of telecommunications in less developed countries.” In Nash, P. (ed.): Systems modelling and optimization.London: Institution of Electrical Engineers, pp.166-177

Conference papers

  • Thompson, M. and Walsham, G. (2009) “Organizational communities of practice: wrong fork in the road?” In: Theorizing Practice in Communities of Practice: EGOS Colloquium, 23rd, 2-4 July, Barcelona, Spain.
  • Thompson, M. and Walsham, G. (2008) “ICT research in Africa: need for a strategic developmental focus.” In: IFIP 9.4 Working Conference, 23-24 September, Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Barrett, M. and Walsham, G. (2004) “Making contributions from interpretive case studies: examining processes of construction and use.” In Kaplan, B., Truex III, D.P., Wastell, D., and DeGross, J.I. (eds.) Relevant theory and informed practice: looking forward from a 20-year perspective on IS research: IFIP TC8 WG8.2 20th Year Retrospective, 15-17 July 2004, Manchester, England. Dordrecht: Kluwer, pp.293-314
  • Walsham, G. (2003) “Development, global futures and IS research.” In Avison, D. (ed.) IS perspectives and challenges in the context of globalization: IFIP Working Group 8.2 – IFIP Working Group 9.4 Conference, 15-17 June 2003, Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens, Greece. pp.13-22
  • Thompson, M. and Walsham, G. (2001) “Learning to value the bardic tradition: culture, communication and organisational knowledge.” In Smithson, S., Gricar, J., Podlogar, M. and Avgerinou, S. (eds.) Global co-operation in the new millenium: Proceedings of the European Conference on Information Systems (9th), 27-29 June 2001, Bled, Slovenia. Bled: ECIS, pp.706-714
  • Walsham, G. (2000) “Globalization and IT: agenda for research.” In Baskerville, R., Stage, J. and DeGross, J. (eds.) Organization and social perspectives on information technology: IFIP International Working Conference on the Social and Organizational Perspective on Research and Practice in Information Technology (TC8 WG8.2), 9-11 June 2000, Aalborg, Denmark. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers, pp.195-210
  • Scott, S.V. and Walsham, G. (1998) “Shifting boundaries and new technologies: a case study in the UK banking sector.” In Hirschheim, R., Newman, M. and DeGross, J.I. (eds.) Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems (19th), 13-16 December 1998, Helsinki, Finland. pp.177-187
  • Walsham, G. (1998) “IT, globalization and cultural diversity.” In IFIP Working Group 9.4 Conference, 18-20 February 1998, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Barrett, M., Sahay, S. and Walsham, G. (1996) “Understanding IT and social transformation: development and illustration of a conceptual scheme.” In DeGross, J.I., Jarvenpaa, S. and Srinivasan, A. (eds.) Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems (17th), 16-18 December 1998, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. New York: ACM Press, pp.42-50
  • Orlikowski, W.J., Walsham, G., Jones, M. and DeGross, J.I. (1996) “Information technology and changes in organizational work: images and reflections.” In Orlikowski, W.J., Walsham, G., Jones, M. and DeGross, J.I. (eds.) The impact of computer supported technologies on information systems development: Proceedings of the IFIP WG8.2 Working Conference, December 1995, Cambridge, England. London: Chapman and Hall, pp.1-10
  • Walsham, G. (1993) “Ethical issues in information systems development: the analyst as moral agent.” In Avison, D., Kendall, J.E. and DeGross, J.I. (eds.) Human organizational and social dimensions of the informational systems development: Proceedings of the IFIP WG8.2 Working Group, 17-19 May 1993, Noordwijkerhaut, The Netherlands.Amsterdam: North Holland, pp.281-294
  • Jones, M. and Walsham, G. (1992) “The limits of the knowable: organisational and design knowledge in systems development.” In Kendall, K.E., Lyytinen, K. and DeGross, J.I. (eds.) Information technology and changes in organizational work: Proceedings of the IFIP WG8.2 Working Conference, 14-17 June 1992, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.Amsterdam: North Holland, pp.195-213
  • Patel, N. and Walsham, G. (1990) “Education for applied O.R.: experience from trainers workshops in Asia.” In Bradley, H. (ed.) Selected Papers from the IFORS International Conference on Operational Research (12th), 25-29 June 1990, Athens, Greece.Oxford: Pergamon Press, pp.93-10
  • Walsham, G. (1990) “Implementation of operational research: some lessons from organisation theory.” In Bradley, H. (ed.) Selected Papers from the IFORS International Conference on Operational Research (12th), 25-29 June 1990, Athens, Greece.Oxford: Pergamon Press, pp.37-47
  • Symons, V. and Walsham, G. (1989) “Evaluation of information systems: a case study of a manufacturing organisation.” In Jackson, M.C., Keys, P. and Cropper, S.A. (eds.) Proceedings of an IFORS Specialized Conference on Operational Research and the Social Sciences, 10-13 April 1989, Queen’s College, Cambridge, England.New York: Plenum Press, pp.421-426
  • Symons, V. and Walsham, G. (1989) “Information systems.” In Jackson, M.C., Keys, P. and Cropper, S.A. (eds.) Proceedings of an IFORS Specialized Conference on Operational Research and the Social Sciences, 10-13 April 1989, Queen’s College, Cambridge, England.New York: Plenum Press, pp.405-407
  • Waema, T. and Walsham, G. (1989) “The formation of IS strategy: a case study of a building society.” In Jackson, M.C., Keys, P. and Cropper, S.A. (eds.) Proceedings of an IFORS Specialized Conference on Operational Research and the Social Sciences, 10-13 April 1989, Queen’s College, Cambridge, England.New York: Plenum Press, pp.433-438

Working papers

  • Walsham, G. (1994) “Interpretivism in IS research: past, present and future.” Judge Institute of Management, Cambridge University, Research Paper No.1994/6
  • Walsham, G. (1993) “Ethical issues in information systems development: the analyst as moral agent.” Judge Institute of Management, Cambridge University, Research Paper No.1993/9
  • Walsham, G. and Han, C.K. (1992) “Information systems strategy formation and implementation: the case of a central government agency.” Management Studies Group at the Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Research Paper No.1992/18
  • Walsham, G. (1991) “Reading the organization: metaphors and information management.” Management Studies Group at the Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Research Paper No.1991/15
  • Walsham, G. (1990) “Organizational metaphors and information systems research.” Management Studies Group at the Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Research Paper No.1990/2
  • Walsham, G. and Han, C.K. (1990) “Structuration theory and information systems research.” Management Studies Group at the Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Research Paper No.1990/11
  • Han, C.K. and Walsham, G. (1989) “Public policy and information systems in government: a mixed level analysis of computerisation.” Management Studies Group at the Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Research Paper No.1989/3
  • Waema, T.M. and Walsham, G. (1988) “Information systems strategy formulation.” Management Studies Group at the Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Research Paper No.1988/5
  • Walsham, G., Symons, V. and Waema, T. (1988) “Information systems as social systems: implications for developing countries.” Management Studies Group at the Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Research Paper No.1988/6
  • Symons, V.J. and Walsham, G. (1987) “Evaluation of information systems: a social perspective.” Management Studies Group at the Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, Research Paper No.1987/1
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