The use of activity theory and actor network theory as lenses to underpin information systems studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Nehemia-Maletzky ◽  
Tiko Iyamu ◽  
Irja Shaanika
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Activity Theory ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Interpretive Approach ◽  
Systems Studies

PurposeThis study aims to examine how both activity theory (AT) and actor network theory (ANT) can be complementarily applied in information system (IS) studies.Design/methodology/approachThe interpretivist approach was followed, within which the qualitative methods were used. Existing literature was gathered as data. The analysis was done by following the interpretive approach.FindingsBased on the analysis and discussion, a guide for complementary use of both AT and ANT in IS studies was developed. The guide is divided into two parts, which helps to achieve the objectives of the study: complimentary use of AT and ANT in an IS study and order-of-use of both theories in a study, as depicted in the framework.Originality/valueThis study is original in that it has not previously been published in part or full. The results of the study is intended to be of value to both IS postgraduate students and researchers.

Using critical realism in critical accounting research – a commentary by two ANTs

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 655-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Baxter ◽  
Wai Fong Chua
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Realism ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Research ◽  
Methodological Choices ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
The Social

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to respond to Modell’s arguments regarding the relative usefulness of critical realist philosophy in relation to actor-network theory.Design/methodology/approachThe authors outline the challenges in applying critical realism to critical accounting. The authors then consider Modell’s criticisms of actor-network theory, providing a counterargument highlighting the methodological choices distinguishing actor-network theory from critical realism.FindingsThe authors argue that critical realism, whilst providing an interesting addition to the critical accounting research project, confronts challenges disentangling intransitive and transitive forms of knowledge. Actor-network theory is presented as a way of examining accounting practices as local associations, providing practical opportunities to study (the assembly of) “the social”.Research limitations/implicationsMethodological diversity is to be explored, acknowledging the ontological politics of our choices.Originality/valueThis paper is an original commentary contributing to critical accounting research.

In defence of critical realism: a reply to Baxter and Chua and Andrew and Baker

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 666-674
Author(s):  
Sven Modell
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Realism ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Social Critique ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Research ◽  
Conceptual Discussion

PurposeThis is a reply to the commentaries by Baxter and Chua (2020) and Andrew and Baker (2020) on a paper previously published in this journal.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual discussion that further clarifies the differences between critical realism (CR), actor–network theory (ANT) and traditional Marxist thought as a basis for critical accounting research.FindingsThe relative merits of CR as a basis for critical accounting research are further elucidated in the light of the criticisms raised in the commentaries. In particular, the discussion of its role as a counterweight to the legacy of empiricism that hampers the possibilities of advancing radical social critique and emancipation is further developed.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper clarifies what CR can and cannot do for the critical accounting project and how it may be further developed as a vehicle for emancipation.Originality/valueThe paper extends the debate about what critical accounting research is and could be.

Analyzing organization through disagreements: the concept of managerial controversy

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Hussenot
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Everyday Activities ◽  
Organizational Features ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop the concept of managerial controversy. This concept focusses on organizational disagreements in order to understand the emergence of organization, and also postulates that researchers can better understand organizational phenomena through the ruptures that occur in an organization's everyday activities. Design/methodology/approach – While the concept of controversy was initially developed to understand the emergence of outputs, this paper develops the concept of managerial controversy in order to understand the emergence of ways of working. Findings – The concept of managerial controversy demonstrates that the authors can improve the understanding of organization by focussing on the disagreements, the associations of heterogeneous elements, the mediators, and the traces left by actors, as well as by considering the viewpoints of these actors. Research limitations/implications – The concept of managerial controversy can be used as a framework for describing the development of organization over time. This concept is suitable for management and organization scholars interested by issues related to organization and organizing. Originality/value – This paper offers an analytical framework for analyzing the emergence of organizational features from ruptures. Furthermore, the concept of managerial controversy extends to not only the literature of actor-network theory, but also to the literature related to organizing.

scholarly journals Towards a reflexive turn: social marketing assemblages

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross Gordon ◽  
Lauren Gurrieri
Keyword(s):  
Social Marketing ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reflexive Practice ◽  
Critical Social

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to demonstrate why the time is ripe for a reflexive turn in social marketing, in response to criticisms of social marketing as neo-liberal, positivist and lacking critical introspection. Design/methodology/approach – The paper traces the development of three paradigms in the field, highlighting the entrenchment of a traditionalist paradigm that heretofore has stifled critical debate and reflexive practice. However, the emergence of social ecologist and critical social marketing paradigms has stimulated the imperative for a reflexive turn. Insights into reflexivity, its relevance and applicability for researchers, participants and other stakeholders in social marketing are considered. Findings – The paper offers a conceptualisation of social marketing assemblages using the lens of actor-network theory and identifies how this can stimulate engagement and reflexive practice for researchers, participants and other stakeholders (such as non-governmental organisations and Government departments involved in delivering programmes). Originality/value – The article presents relevant theoretical and practical benefits from a reflexive turn in social marketing, highlighting how this will furthermore contribute to discipline building.

Determinants of dynamic process of emerging ICT adoption in SMEs – actor network theory perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunday C. Eze ◽  
Vera C. Chinedu-Eze ◽  
Adenike O. Bello
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Process ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
One Stage ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Ict Adoption

PurposeWhile traditional theories of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption have been deployed to study ICT adoption in the past, these theories considers ICT adoption as static and rely on conceptualising factors as variables and predicting their levels of outcome at a single decision stage. Although much has been credited to these theories, they have continuously ignored the fact that as decisions to adopt are made and challenged along the adoption process, such decision can be influenced by the same, different or combination of factors at different stages of the adoption process. This paper aims to examine ICT adoption from a dynamic process perspective and to explore the key determinants and how these differ from one stage of the adoption process to another.Design/methodology/approachQualitative method was adopted in this study. Both unstructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted in two separate stages using purposeful random sampling. Hybrid approach of thematic analysis was adopted in analysing the data.FindingsThis study develops a framework informed by actor network theory (ANT) concepts and finds that using ANT to examine the process of adoption helps to unveil the recursive nature of the process. The study reveals that the 14 determinants identified in this study influenced adoption at different stages. Factors such as ease of use, managerial time, customer focus and adoption influenced adoption at all the stages. This reveals that factors influencing ICT adoption are not static at one particular stage rather it may influence ICT adoption at different stages.Research limitations/implicationsQualitative research is often subjective and interpretive in nature, and one of the limitations is the sample used in this research. Considering the small number of interviews carried out in this study, the generalisation of finding and the framework remains to be established across a wider population. Therefore, the factors presented could be limited considering that a number of practitioners that are involved in establishing emerging ICT are numerous. Therefore, other factors are prevailing to other industries or sectors that may provide scholars another way of examining these factors. Also, the framework demonstrates that it is a valuable analytical tool for researchers to examine how and why different actors including small and medium enterprise (SME) managers act around emerging ICT.Originality/valueThis study develops a framework that revealed the interactive and recursive nature of ICT adoption and the determinants influencing the process of ICT adoption at different stages thereby advancing ICT adoption research. The study challenges researchers to always consider ICT adoption as dynamic and unpredictable instead of one-off action as factors influencing its adoption are not static rather; they vary from one stage to another.

Constructions of Banksy

2014 ◽  
pp. 62-76
Author(s):  
Cheri Lemieux Spiegel
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Activity Theory ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Public Domain ◽  
Professional Writing ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
The Public ◽  
Great Relevance ◽  
Digital Spaces

This chapter examines how multiple, often competing, identities of the street artist Banksy are constructed through a variety of media. It uses actor network theory and activity theory to trace and analyze the contexts, or networks, wherein Bansky’s identity is constructed. Banksy’s identity is of particular interest because he is an anonymous figure, and he actively abstains from social media. This examination of how he is constructed online sheds light on the agency that individuals have in constructing their identity in digital spaces. The insight from this investigation should be of great relevance for all professionals as they consider the non-professional writing they do, or chose not to do, beyond their office walls, within the public domain.

Constructions of Banksy

2015 ◽  
pp. 1827-1841
Author(s):  
Cheri Lemieux Spiegel
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Activity Theory ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Public Domain ◽  
Professional Writing ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
The Public ◽  
Great Relevance ◽  
Digital Spaces

This chapter examines how multiple, often competing, identities of the street artist Banksy are constructed through a variety of media. It uses actor network theory and activity theory to trace and analyze the contexts, or networks, wherein Bansky's identity is constructed. Banksy's identity is of particular interest because he is an anonymous figure, and he actively abstains from social media. This examination of how he is constructed online sheds light on the agency that individuals have in constructing their identity in digital spaces. The insight from this investigation should be of great relevance for all professionals as they consider the non-professional writing they do, or chose not to do, beyond their office walls, within the public domain.

Actor-Network Theory in Information Systems Research

2005 ◽  
pp. 42-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Tatnall
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research

Building an information system is a difficult task, partly due to the problem of ascertaining the requirements of the intended users, but also because of the complexity of the large number of human-machine interactions (Banville, 1991). This complexity is reflected in the difficulty of building these systems to operate free from error and to perform as intended. The dictionary defines innovation as “the alteration of what is established; something newly introduced”. As the introduction or improvement of an information system in an organisation necessarily involves change, information systems research often involves research into technological innovation.

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