scholarly journals Information systems ethics – challenges and opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Rogerson ◽  
Keith W. Miller ◽  
Jenifer Sunrise Winter ◽  
David Larson
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Ethical Dimension ◽  
Data Repositories ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Ethics Research ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Information Integrity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the ethical issues surrounding information systems (IS) practice with a view to encouraging greater involvement in this aspect of IS research. Information integrity relies upon the development and operation of computer-based information systems. Those who undertake the planning, development and operation of these information systems have obligations to assure information integrity and overall to contribute to the public good. This ethical dimension of information systems has attracted mixed attention in the IS academic discipline. Design/methodology/approach The authors are a multidisciplinary team providing a rich, diverse experience which includes professional and information ethics, management information systems, software engineering, data repositories and information systems development. Each author has used this experience to review the IS ethics landscape, which provides four complimentary perspectives. These are synthesised to tease out trends and future pointers. Findings It is confirmed that there is a serious lack of research being undertaken relating to the ethical dimension of the Information Systems field. There is limited crossover between the well-established multidisciplinary community of Computer Ethics research and the traditional Information Systems research community. Originality/value An outline framework is offered which could provide an opportunity for rich and valuable dialogue across the two communities. This is proposed as the starting point for a proactive research and practice action plan for information systems ethics.

scholarly journals Future vision

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 346-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Rogerson
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Funded Research ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Global Action ◽  
History Of ◽  
Ict Ethics ◽  
Future Vision

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the world of information and communications technology (ICT) from its early days to the near future. The aim is to consider how successfully academia, industry and government have worked together in delivering ethically acceptable ICT which is accessible to those who might benefit from such advances. The paper concludes with suggestions of a fresh approach for the future. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws upon evidence from the history of computers, funded research projects, professional bodies in the field, the ETHICOMP conference series and reported ICT disasters. The author uses his experience as both an ICT practitioner and an academic in the ICT ethics field to synthesise the evidence so providing a foundation on which to build an outline global action plan. Findings – The paper lays out the findings that there has been much detailed observation and analysis of the ethical challenges surrounding ICT but the transformation of this into widespread practical positive action remains elusive. It explores why progress has been difficult. Originality/value – This review of the interconnecting landscapes of practical ICT, funded research and the ICT ethics community is new. The attempt to demonstrate what progress has been made and to identify the underlying factors which influence progress are valuable to future generations working in this area. The concluding suggestions for action offer a starting point for entering the next phase of ICT ethics.

Moderated mediation and J-curve emergence in path models: an information systems research perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ned Kock
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Moderated Mediation ◽  
Delta Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
J Curve ◽  
Path Models ◽  
Do So

Purpose J-curve relationship analyses can provide valuable insights to information systems (IS) researchers. This paper aims to discuss moderated mediation in IS research and the related emergence of J-curve relationships. Design/methodology/approach Building on an illustrative study in the field of IS, the author Lays out three steps to combine moderation and J-curve analyses, with the goal of more fully understanding the underlying moderated mediation relationships. The paper proposes a new segmentation delta method to test for J-curve emergence, as part of this framework. Findings The paper shows, in the context of this study, the complementarity of moderation and J-curve analyses. Research limitations/implications Currently, IS researchers rarely conduct moderation and J-curve analyses in a complementary way, even though there are software tools, and related methods, which allow them to do so in a relatively straightforward way. Originality/value The analyses were conducted with the software WarpPLS, a widely used tool that allows for moderated mediation and J-curve analyses, in a way that is fully compatible with the set of steps presented in this paper.

A practical guide for human lab experiments in information systems research

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 228-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Jung ◽  
Marc Adam ◽  
Verena Dorner ◽  
Anuja Hariharan
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
User Behavior ◽  
Trust Game ◽  
Experimental Session ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design Considerations ◽  
Practical Guide ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Lab Experiments ◽  
Information Systems Research

Purpose Human lab experiments have become an established method in information systems research for investigating user behavior, perception and even neurophysiology. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate experimental research by providing a practical guide on how to implement and conduct lab experiments in the freely available experimental platform Brownie. Design/methodology/approach Laying the groundwork of the tutorial, the paper first provides a brief overview of common design considerations for lab experiments and a generic session framework. Building on the use case of the widely used trust game, the paper then covers the different stages involved in running an experimental session and maps the conceptual elements of the study design to the implementation of the experimental software. Findings The paper generates findings on how computerized lab experiments can be designed and implemented. Furthermore, it maps out the design considerations an experimenter may take into account when implementing an experiment and organizing it along a session structure (e.g. participant instructions, individual and group interaction, state and trait questionnaires). Originality/value The paper reduces barriers for researchers to engage in experiment implementation and replication by providing a step-by-step tutorial for the design and implementation of human lab experiments.

scholarly journals Workaround behaviour in information systems research

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-446
Author(s):  
Aline de Vargas Pinto ◽  
Antônio Carlos Gastaud Maçada ◽  
Gabriela Labres Mallmann
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
Methodological Aspects ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the studies about workaround behavior in the Information Systems (IS) area, addressing its positive and negative aspects and raising the key related issues. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted to verify how workaround behavior has been approached in IS studies. A qualitative method was adopted and implemented in two stages: selection of articles from the time period 2007-2017 in the databases Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus and analysis of the selected articles. Findings The results showed that many studies have been concerned with identifying the principal reasons for the manifestation of workaround behavior and the measures taken to reduce its impacts. Many studies from international journals examined the implementation of an ERP along with the workaround behavior. The need to expand the national studies on workaround behavior is emphasized, because the majority of the identified studies are international. Research limitations/implications The key limitation is related to the period of analysis, because only articles published since 2007 were selected. Practical implications This paper contributes to both theory and practice, bringing relevant concepts about workaround behavior, and corroborating the importance of the studies on workaround in the IS area. The literature review of the 20 articles analyzed reveals the main features in each article, such as theoretical and methodological aspects that support the research. Based on this analysis, a conceptual map was developed presenting the most relevant points about workaround behavior, where the causes, the negative and positive consequences, the types of solutions and the organizational and individual impacts are presented. Originality/value Research into workaround behavior has increased in recent years, however very few studies have been conducted in Brazil. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no articles regarding Brazil and this subject were published between 2007 and 2017. Thus, this paper seeks to redress this imbalance.

scholarly journals Action in action research

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulf Melin ◽  
Karin Axelsson
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Social Action ◽  
The Body ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Dynamic Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Systems Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the concept of action by addressing actions and roles in the practice of action research, illustrated by dilemmas in an action research project on information systems development in public sector. The main ambition with action research is being able to solve organisational problems through intervention and to contribute to scientific knowledge. The main emphasis has so far been on the “research part”. Here the authors focus on the “action part” of action research to generate rigorous research, to solve local problems and to deal with evident dilemmas in action research. Design/methodology/approach This is a qualitative case study. The empirical illustrations of this paper originate from an action research project that focused the two e-service development initiatives analysed below. The analysis is structured using key aspects and phases proposed by Avison et al. (2001). As a result of the analysis, the concept of action is elaborated. The action elements action, actor, motive, space and time are analysed together with different roles. This goes beyond the existing action research literature. Findings The conclusions show that there is a need to understand actions and roles within action research projects – not separating action from research. Research is also seen as action. The practice of action research is also discussed as context-bounded interactive social action: action research as a recurrent, interactive and dynamic activity. It is also identified that the understanding of roles, actions and interaction can help handle dilemmas in action research. Research Limitations/implications The authors contribute to the body of knowledge concerning action research in the information systems research field and in general by exploring the need to study the concept of action (e.g. situations and elements), to be explicit concerning the different phases, roles and responsibilities and management of different dilemmas in action research. A limitation of this study is that the inter-organisational development character in this study adds an extra dimension into the practice of actions research only partially highlighted. Another limitation is focus on public agencies. However, this is not critical for the results on action elements and the action research dilemmas that are studied. Practical Implications The understanding of roles, actions and interaction can solve the dilemmas and challenges linked to the practice of action research in the information systems field, but such understanding can help discover and handle dilemmas in action research. Originality/value The originality in this research is an illustration of and a perspective of action research as a context-bounded interactive social action: action research as a recurrent, interactive and dynamic activity. The value is that this knowledge can help handle dilemmas in action research.

On the Study of Complexity in Information Systems

2010 ◽  
pp. 63-75
Author(s):  
James Courtney ◽  
Yasmin Merali ◽  
David Paradice ◽  
Eleanor Wynn
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Organizational Issues ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Physical Infrastructure ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Litmus Test

This article addresses complexity in information systems. It defines how complexity can be used to inform information systems research, and how some individuals and organizations are using notions of complexity. Some organizations are dealing with technical and physical infrastructure complexity, as well as the application of complexity in specific areas such as supply chain management and network management. Their approaches can be used to address more general organizational issues. The concepts and ideas in this article are relevant to the integration of complexity into information systems research. However, the ideas and concepts in this article are not a litmus test for complexity. We hope only to provide a starting point for information systems researchers to push the boundaries of our understanding of complexity. The article also contains a number of suggested research questions that could be pursued in this area.

An updated and expanded assessment of PLS-SEM in information systems research

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 442-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Hair ◽  
Carole L. Hollingsworth ◽  
Adriane B. Randolph ◽  
Alain Yee Loong Chong
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Model Complexity ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Data Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Systems Research

Purpose Following the call for awareness of accepted reporting practices by Ringle, Sarstedt, and Straub in 2012, the purpose of this paper is to review and analyze the use of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in Industrial Management & Data Systems (IMDS) and extend MIS Quarterly (MISQ) applications to include the period 2012-2014. Design/methodology/approach Review of PLS-SEM applications in information systems (IS) studies published in IMDS and MISQ for the period 2010-2014 identifying a total of 57 articles reporting the use of or commenting on PLS-SEM. Findings The results indicate an increased maturity of the IS field in using PLS-SEM for model complexity and formative measures and not just small sample sizes and non-normal data. Research limitations/implications Findings demonstrate the continued use and acceptance of PLS-SEM as an accepted research method within IS. PLS-SEM is discussed as the preferred SEM method when the research objective is prediction. Practical implications This update on PLS-SEM use and recent developments will help authors to better understand and apply the method. Researchers are encouraged to engage in complete reporting procedures. Originality/value Applications of PLS-SEM for exploratory research and theory development are increasing. IS scholars should continue to exercise sound practice by reporting reasons for using PLS-SEM and recognizing its wider applicability for research. Recommended reporting guidelines following Ringle et al. (2012) and Gefen et al. (2011) are included. Several important methodological updates are included as well.

Presenting bibliographic families

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 490-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Merčun ◽  
Maja Žumer ◽  
Trond Aalberg
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Functional Requirements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Bibliographic Information ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Work Family

Purpose – Despite the importance of bibliographic information systems for discovering and exploring library resources, some of the core functionality that should be provided to support users in their information seeking process is still missing. Investigating these issues, the purpose of this paper is to design a solution that would fulfil the missing objectives. Design/methodology/approach – Building on the concepts of a work family, functional requirements for bibliographic records (FRBR) and information visualization, the paper proposes a model and user interface design that could support a more efficient and user-friendly presentation and navigation in bibliographic information systems. Findings – The proposed design brings together all versions of a work, related works, and other works by and about the author and shows how the model was implemented into a FrbrVis prototype system using hierarchical visualization layout. Research limitations/implications – Although issues related to discovery and exploration apply to various material types, the research first focused on works of fiction and was also limited by the selected sample of records. Practical implications – The model for presenting and interacting with FRBR-based data can serve as a good starting point for future developments and implementations. Originality/value – With FRBR concepts being gradually integrated into cataloguing rules, formats, and various bibliographic services, one of the important questions that has not really been investigated and studied is how the new type of data would be presented to users in a way that would exploit the true potential of the changes.

On the Study of Complexity in Information Systems

2010 ◽  
pp. 39-50
Author(s):  
James Courtney ◽  
Yasmin Merali ◽  
David Paradice ◽  
Eleanor Wynn
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Organizational Issues ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Physical Infrastructure ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Litmus Test

This article addresses complexity in information systems. It defines how complexity can be used to inform information systems research, and how some individuals and organizations are using notions of complexity. Some organizations are dealing with technical and physical infrastructure complexity, as well as the application of complexity in specific areas such as supply chain management and network management. Their approaches can be used to address more general organizational issues. The concepts and ideas in this article are relevant to the integration of complexity into information systems research. However, the ideas and concepts in this article are not a litmus test for complexity. We hope only to provide a starting point for information systems researchers to push the boundaries of our understanding of complexity. The article also contains a number of suggested research questions that could be pursued in this area.

A text mining-based review of the literature on dynamic capabilities perspective in information systems research

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Talafidaryani
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Topic Modeling ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Latent Dirichlet Allocation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities Perspective

Purpose While the dynamic capabilities perspective is the most cited strategic theory in the information systems field of research, little effort has been made to review and integrate the associate literature of this perspective in the field. Accordingly, this paper aims to systematically analyze the information systems literature on dynamic capabilities and provide a holistic understanding of the topical composition and trend of dynamic capabilities studies in information systems research. Design/methodology/approach Using latent Dirichlet allocation as the text analysis algorithm, the author conducted a topic modeling of the dynamic capabilities corpus in the information systems field of research to quantitatively review, summarize and classify the prior literature. The review covered 191 articles published on dynamic capabilities between 1998 and 2018 in pioneering information systems journals and conference proceedings. Findings In accordance with the topic modeling results, the topical composition of the dynamic capabilities corpus in information systems research dominantly includes seven themes titled T1. Information systems value, T2. Information systems change, T3. Digitalization, T4. Information systems agility, T5. Big data, T6. Information systems innovation and T7. Information systems alignment. Also, the overall and topical trend of dynamic capabilities studies in the information systems field of research were revealed. The trends indicated that the investigated domain and its prominent sub-domains have generally had positive productivity over the past years. Originality/value The current study contributes to the domain by developing knowledge and improving literature on dynamic capabilities in information systems research, discovering the main topics of interest for information systems researchers to deploying the dynamic capabilities perspective in their studies, and prioritizing the future information systems research on dynamic capabilities based on the identified trends of topics.

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