MIS possible impact on educational organizations as loosely-coupled systems

According to Weick the task of educating can be properly fulfilled only in a loosely-coupled (LC) system. The introduction of a management information system (MIS) into the school confronts the school with the challenge of absorbing the MIS without losing its LC nature. On the basis of experience gained from the design of a pedagogical MIS on a national scale, it is argued that through appropriate policy, the school can be computerized while maintaining its LC nature. Three possible strategies for school computerization are suggested, and a mode for total integration of MIS while retaining the school's LC nature is proposed. This generates intriguing challenges for researchers as well as school administrators. A research agenda concludes the discussion.