As a discipline, Informatics has developed over the years from its initial focus on data processing and software development, towards a more recent emphasis on people's use of technology and its impact on their working and private lives. Gunilla Bradley, an internationally recognized expert in this field, has researched this area for many years and here, authors this indispensable volume on the topic. Providing a broad and deep analysis of the relationship between people, ICT, society and the environment, Bradley examines the impact on/change in organizations and individuals, both in the workplace and in the home. Taking a firmly humanistic view she also looks to the future as ICT increasingly transforms and impacts on our lives, and explores issues including stress, power, competence and psychosocial communication. She proposes normative research questions for the future and presents actions to achieve the Good ICT society. This thought-provoking book will be of interest to students and academics studying social informatics, computing and MIS as well as organizational behaviour, sociology, psychology and communications. Research-based and cross-disciplinary, Bradley's book is a valuable, and topical, resource.

What is Quality of Life in a society that has embraced information and communication technology (ICT)? What is Wisdom in this kind of society? And what things are helping or hindering us from having both wisdom and a good quality of life in ICT societies? Taking the reader through a quick analysis of the current social and psychological changes in the Information and Communication Society, Bradley challenges us to avoid becoming victims of technology - whether we are professionals, policymakers, parents or citizens. Indeed, she introduces a theoretical model based on four decades' worth of research to help the reader to understand this complex, technological world. In addition to focusing the reader's attention on convergence and acceleration, this model describes the interplay between technology, societal structure, organizational design and human roles, thus leading to what Bradley describes as a "good ICT society". Emphasising the necessity of a co-operative parallel between the automation and humanization of society, this innovative volume will be of interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers interested in the subjects such as Information and Communication Technology and Social Change, Psychology and Sociology, Computer Technology and Media Technology.

As a discipline, Informatics has over the years developed from a narrow focus on data processing and software development, towards an emphasis on people's use of technology and its impact on their working lives. The topic of human/computer interaction and the relationship between ICT and the social and psychological environment is attracting increasing interest. It is also increasingly part of the curriculum for both computing students and MIS under the umbrella of social informatics.
This book has been edited by an internationally recognized expert in this field who has been researching in this area for many years. Bradley provides a holistic analysis of the relationship between people, ICT, society and the environment. She examines the impact on organizations and individuals, both in the workplace and in the home, and explores issues including stress, power, and competence. Taking a firmly humanistic view she also looks to the future as ICT increasingly informs and impacts on our lives.
The book provides a uniquely research-based and cross-disciplinary resource which will be of interest to students and academics studying social informatics, computing and MIS as well as OB, sociology, psychology and communications.