Rob Kling

Rob Kling (1944 – 2003) was an American computer scientist and social informatics scholar. He was a professor at the University of California, Irvine, in the School of Social Ecology and the Department of Information and Computer Science. Kling is best known for his work in social informatics, a field that examines the social aspects of computerization.

Kling's research explored the interplay between technology and society, focusing on how social factors shape the design, implementation, and use of information and communication technologies, and conversely, how these technologies impact social structures, organizations, and communities. He challenged technological determinism and argued that technology is not neutral, but rather is socially constructed and embedded with values.

Key areas of Kling's work included:

• Social Informatics: He helped to define and popularize the field, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the social dimensions of computing.
• Computerization Movements: He studied the social and political processes involved in the adoption and implementation of computer-based systems in organizations and communities.
• Organizational Informatics: Kling analyzed how information technologies shape organizational structures, work practices, and power relations.
• Information Policy: He examined the social, ethical, and political implications of information policies, particularly in areas such as privacy, access, and intellectual property.

Kling authored and co-authored numerous books and articles, including "Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and Social Choices" (edited with Kenneth C. Laudon), a seminal work in the field of social informatics. He was a highly influential figure in the field, known for his rigorous scholarship, his critical perspective, and his commitment to social justice. His work continues to be widely cited and studied by scholars and practitioners interested in the social implications of technology. He received the Norbert Wiener Award for Social and Professional Responsibility in 2002.