IS/IT field will benefit with some novels and short story books in their curriculum. I argue for a narrative approach in teaching/ facilitating the Information Technology manager's higher education. Information Systems text books, product user manuals can be supplemented by stories distilled from the experiences of people and the processes and technologies of organizations. I emphasise supplementing and certainly not suggesting replacing text books.
Facts, theories and technologies are available by the click of a button to who ever seeks information. The power of history of technologies, people politics in organizations, non technical leaders adventures in the wonderland of IT, heroes' journies to get things done, the novice professional's toddler steps to climb the ladder of succcess...topics seem to be endless for stories in the field.
Epics and stories told and re-told using multiple channels keep the spirit of the human world alive. How about stories of one of the most dynamically transforming IS/ IT systems world?
The stories of Bhagavatam and Bible sow the seeds for the art of living from childhood. Panchatantra and Mahabharata are stories about relationships, diplomacy and politics necessary to train the mind of a king. These stories are not limited to children - adults read and re-read and listen to a variety of interpretations throught their lives and benefit from them.
How about sagas and stories for the aspiring IS/ IT professional seeking inspiration and education to reap rewards in the field?
References:
Daniel Pink discusses "organizational story telling " in the chapter on STORY in his book titled, A whole new mind. The impact of a compelling story in marketing a consumer product is just one of the numerous examples suggested in this book.
"Adventures of the IT leader" published by Harvard Business Press. A CIO's journey in his organization is the theme of this story.
