Processo eletrônico de compras públicas na perspectiva da dualidade da tecnologia: um estudo comparado no contexto brasileiro e paraibano

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the electronic procurement (e-procurement) from the perspective of the "duality of technology" in the context of federal and state public institutions located in Joao Pessoa-Paraíba, in Brazil. From this goal, a literature review of the assumptions that led to the introduction of the electronic procurement on the Public Administration (PA) was made, including the new public management reform (NPM), the emergence of so-called e-government, reaching one of its areas of activity: the e-procurement. In addition, it was discussed about the legal and government actions that support this initiative in the public sector of Brazil and Paraiba. Moreover, it was noticed the need for a study out of the dominant technical rationality, therefore, an interpretive research perspective, addressing the "duality of technology", using the structurational model of technology (ORLIKOWSKI, 1992). Thus, according to the theoretical perspective chosen, and from data collected in two interpretive case studies undertaken, a qualitative content analysis was done (GLÄSER; LAUDEL, 2009), aiming to obtain dimensions for the justification for the use and introduction of e-procurement, for institutional properties, to PA and users, and, finally, for the very process of electronic procurement. After assessing the dimensions obtained, it proceeded with the interpretation from the conceptual structurational model of technology (ORLIKOWSKI, 1992). In this sense, it was felt that the introduction and use of e-procurement has consequences on the daily action of users, and these actions result in organizational implications in the context of federal and state institutions located in Paraíba. It was found in both cases investigated that the introduction of e-procurement is not just the result of legal measures, but rather part of a broader context; the institutional properties have brought institutional changes in mechanisms and characteristics of the process at both the federal and state levels; different interpretations of each organizational actor to the e-procurement; electronic procurement carries risk, confirming that it is not an easy initiative to implement, because it has a number of difficulties that comes from the multiple objectives of PA that go beyond economic issues. In terms of "duality of technology", it was demonstrated the duality of the e-procurement, as it enable and constrain human action at the same time. Moreover, it was perceived much more a reaffirmation of the status quo, with reinforcement of legitimation, signification and domination structures of Public Administration in both cases.