Question

With reference to IT as a tool for ‘controlling’ in organizational management, what is the difference between a ‘problem’ and ‘symptom’? Support your response with an example. Briefly identify the three determinants of the effectiveness of the ‘information system’ in facilitating the effective management of an organization.

Answer 1

Symptom is anything which occurs as a result of the problem. Symptom often illustrate a gap between the desired quality and its actual quality whereas problem is the cause or any negative aspect related to anything.

Problem is used as by identifying solution to it whereas solutions is used with the intention of curing the solution.

Symptoms are sees to be known whereas problems are sees to be identified.

For example - slow workings of employees within an organisation is the symptom of their unwillingness to work whereas failure in any device is the problem to the workings of the employees.

Determinants of the effectiveness of the information system in facilitating the effective management of an organisation are as follows -

• Satisfactory level of the employees from their work by using the appropriate information system.
• Communication effectiveness, reach and updation to the employees.
• Productivity of the organization. Strategies, its implementation and execution checks the effectiveness of the information system.