Information systems in supermarkets. A case study in two supermarket chains

Abstract

This study examines how employees in supermarkets perceive the control that results from the implementation of information systems (IS). It does this by conducting a case study at two supermarket chains, Jan Linders and PLUS, and placing the data that is gathered in a newly developed framework for classifying control. This framework is based on the enabling & coercive and panoptic & empowering classifications of control. These classifications show overlap with one another and are not as distinct as literature states they are based on a relational approach to IS. The results of this study show that employees in supermarkets are positively oriented to the IS. There is an increase in control but this is not perceived as being negative but more as positive since it provides better support. Also employees feel empowered in the quality of decisions they make even though they make less decisions then before the IS implementation.