scholarly journals Exploring "Events" as an Information Systems Research Methodology

2011 ◽  
pp. 108-121
Author(s):  
Anita Greenhill ◽  
Gordon Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Social Context ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
The Social

In this article we build upon existing research and commentary from a variety of disciplinary sources, including information systems, organisational and management studies, and the social sciences that focus upon the meaning, significance and impact of “events” in the information technology, organisational and social context. Our aim is to define how the examination of the event is an appropriate, viable and useful information systems methodology. The line of argument we pursue is that by focusing on the “event” the researcher is able to more clearly observe and capture the complexity, multiplicity and mundaneity of everyday lived experience. An inherent danger of existing traditional “event” focused studies and “virtual” ethnographic approaches is the micromanagement of the research process. Using the notion of “event” has the potential to reduce methodological dilemmas such as this without effacing context (Peterson, 1998, p. 19). Similarly, in this chapter we address the overemphasis upon managerialist, structured and time-fixated praxis that is currently symptomatic of information systems research. All of these concerns are pivotal points of critique found within event-oriented literature regarding organisations (Gergen & Thatchenkery, 2004; Peterson, 1998).

scholarly journals Exploring "Events" as an Information Systems Research Methodology

2009 ◽  
pp. 1871-1884
Author(s):  
Anita Greenhill ◽  
Gordon Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Social Context ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
The Social

In this article we build upon existing research and commentary from a variety of disciplinary sources, including information systems, organisational and management studies, and the social sciences that focus upon the meaning, significance and impact of “events” in the information technology, organisational and social context. Our aim is to define how the examination of the event is an appropriate, viable and useful information systems methodology. The line of argument we pursue is that by focusing on the “event” the researcher is able to more clearly observe and capture the complexity, multiplicity and mundaneity of everyday lived experience. An inherent danger of existing traditional “event” focused studies and “virtual” ethnographic approaches is the micromanagement of the research process. Using the notion of “event” has the potential to reduce methodological dilemmas such as this without effacing context (Peterson, 1998, p. 19). Similarly, in this article we address the overemphasis upon managerialist, structured and time-fixated praxis that is currently symptomatic of information systems research. All of these concerns are pivotal points of critique found within event-oriented literature regarding organisations (Gergen & Thatchenkery, 2004; Peterson, 1998).

Information Systems Research Relevance

2011 ◽  
pp. 2004-2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirish C. Srivastava ◽  
Thompson S.H. Teo
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Information Management ◽  
Management Information Systems ◽  
Is Research ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
It Executives

Though there have been extended deliberations for making information systems (IS) research more relevant1 and useful for IS executives, to our knowledge, there has been no empirical study which examines the extent of relevance in the current IS research. In this chapter, we analyze the topical relevance of 388 published academic articles in the three top IS journals: MIS Quarterly (MISQ), Information Systems Research (ISR), and Journal of Management Information Systems (JMIS), for a 5 year period from 2000-2004. We do this by examining their fit with the key issues for information technology (IT) executives identified by the latest Society for Information Management (SIM) survey. Based on our results, we make recommendations for making IS research more meaningful for practitioners.

What Use is Domestication Theory to Information Systems Research?

2010 ◽  
pp. 482-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Hynes ◽  
Helen Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Social Shaping Of Technology ◽  
Is Research ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Shaping ◽  
Domestication Theory

This chapter introduces and discusses domestication theory—essentially about giving technology a place in everyday life—and its relevance and importance to information systems (IS) research. The authors discuss domestication within the context of the social shaping of technology and critique use and adoption theories more widely found in IS studies. The authors illustrate how domestication theory underpins studies of how Irish households find ways of using computers (or not) in their everyday life and research into the use of ICTs in UK gendered households. In conclusion they outline how developments in domestication theory can contribute to future IS research.

A Critical Perspective on Action Research as a Method for Information Systems Research

1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Baskerville ◽  
A. Trevor Wood-Harper
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Systems Development ◽  
Critical Perspective ◽  
Rigorous Approach ◽  
Development Methodology ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
The Social

This paper reviews the origins, techniques and roles associated with action research into information systems (IS). Many consider the approach to be the paragon of post-positivist research methods, yet it has a cloudy history among the social sciences. The paper summarizes the rigorous approach to action research and suggests certain domains of ideal use (such as systems development methodology). For those faced with conducting, reviewing or examining action research, the paper discusses various problems, opportunities and strategies.

Social Capital in Management Information Systems Literature

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossam Ali-Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Management Information Systems ◽  
Cognitive Dimension ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Information Systems Research ◽  
The Social ◽  
Shared Context

Social capital represents resources or assets rooted in an individual’s or group’s network of social relations. It is a multidimensional and multilevel concept characterized by diverse definitions and conceptualizations, all of which focus on the structure and/or on the content of the social relations. A common conceptualization of social capital in information systems research consists of a structural, relational and cognitive dimension. The structural dimension represents the configuration of the social network and the characteristics of its ties. The relational dimension epitomizes assets embedded in the social relations, such as trust, obligations, and norms of reciprocity. The cognitive dimension is created by common codes, languages and narratives, and represents a shared context that facilitates interaction. To singular or collective network members, social capital can be a source of solidarity, information, cooperation, collaboration and influence. Ultimately, social capital has been and will remain sound theoretical grounding upon which to study information systems affected by social relationships and their embedded assets.

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