A Framework for Office Automation

Much attention currently is being aimed at office automation. Proponents are recognizing its potential value to the manager as an information resource, in addition to its initial focus on improved clerical operations. However, proponents are recommending office automation as an information system without citing any basis, theoretical or empirical, for their claims. The authors construct a theoretical framework that may be useful to the manager, or the system designer, in channeling office automat efforts in the right direction. The framework is based on Henry Mintzberg’s concept of managerial roles, and is presented in the context of data gathered from five senior executives.