He prefers process improvement to radical reengineering, and points out the folly of massive layoffs that provide short-term financial gain at the expense of tearing apart the social fabric of an organization. In describing his work on the concept of corporate information management, which he established at the defense department, he discusses not only the problems of implementing management principles but also the politics of revamping the department's systems acquisitions process. In his conclusions, Strassmann returns to the issue of governance. Using The Federalist Papers as his model, Strassmann asserts that the selection of governance rules is a critical issue that senior managers must face on their own, without the help of consultants. Changes in governance must be carefully evaluated because they have long-term consequences for everyone in the organization.
Computerization is the practice of management by other means.
All in all, The Politics of Information Management is an important book. Although few readers will agree with everything contained in its 500 pages there is much food for thought here. When Strassmann speaks, IS should listen.