Organizational issues of end-user computing

Abstract

End-user computing environments are rapidly growing in many organizations. This growth is due primarily to the proliferation of microcomputers and the availability of user-friendly software. However, the end-user computing environment is still poorly understood by practitioners, academics, and vendors. Most managers agree that a basic understanding of the end-user computing environment is necessary in order to effectively manage it. This article attempts to define the scope of the end-user computing and integrate a variety of publications into a common research framework. Several managerial frameworks are presented which address the risks of end-user development. Finally, implications are drawn from the available literature in order to provide managerial direction to firms with growing end-user computing environments.