Shadow Systems: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The ethnographic investigation of a shadow system used in a higher educations institution, Central Queensland University (CQU) was reported in the article. The study explored the way system was built, implemented, and applied, and applied with a specific interest in people's lived experiences- the good, the bad, and the ugly. This shadow system, was developed by Webfuse to support the teaching and learning activities of academics and general staff in a single faculty at CQU. The total of 17 initial interviews were conducted within CQU, and interviewees included developers, users and sponsors of Webfuse. The study demonstrates that contrary to popular opinion, shadow systems can be positive sources of energy for organizations. The study reported that shadow systems may be just what an organization needs, that is a mechanism that ensures their survival in an increasingly competitive and uncertain environment.