CONCEPTUALIZING AND EXPLORING THE SECOND LEVEL EFFECTS OF ISO 9000

ABSTRACT This paper conceptualizes and explores the second level or indirect effects associated with the implementation,of a codified knowledge,management,system in the form of ISO 9000. Second level effects of technology have been observed as manifested in changes in structure, roles and relations as well as values and procedures. Indeed, the indirect effects of technology are pervasive and important to organizations. However, the conceptualization of second level effects is narrowly defined and limited to effects associated with social practice. To study second level effects in such a limited manner leaves key questions unexplored, and to a large extent, unexplorable. Moreover, in the context of knowledge management the question of