Information Systems from Formal to Informal : Continuum, Balance, Bad and Best Practices

Abstract

There is no doubt that formalising information systems is of great value to a company. This enables, among others, business processes, rules, services and objects models to be standardized, structured, capitalized and reused. A formal information system involves astructured organization, clearly defined roles and responsibilities and therefore a rational management. The Formal is thus more structuring, segmenting and may be associated with referential and standards. However, generalizing a formalisation approach to allinformation system perspectives or all levels of granularity can inversely be fatal to the smooth running of the business, its management, and operation. The aim of this paper is to explore information systems formal-informal continuum, to discover and understand its characteristics, patterns, anti-patterns, and the forces participating to its equilibrium.