A Case for Applying Activity Theory in IS Research

Abstract

The use of Activity Theory (AT) to underpin Information Systems (IS) research continues to increase. However, many challenges are implicitly associated with the theory. Access to the qualitative data needed is a significant issue. Other challenges emanate from the lack of examples or know-how, which discourages postgraduate students from selecting the theory, even though AT would have been the most appropriate approach for their research. This study was carried out from two perspectives: (i) qualitative data collection; and (ii) the use of AT as lens in qualitative IS research. The interpretivist approach was employed. The semi-structured technique was used to collect the data. The analysis of the data was conducted by following the hermeneutics technique from the interpretivist approach perspective. Based on the analysis of the data, two models were developed. The first model is intended to guide data collection, while the latter focuses on the use of AT to guide the analysis and interpretation of data in IS research.

Multiple Roles of Middle Managers in Agile Project Governance: An Activity Theory Perspective

“…Due to the complex and multifaceted nature of agile PG, given that it involves multiple actors, processes, mechanisms, tools, and socio-technical interactions [11], the research demanded a flexible socio-technical theoretical framework with expansive analytical and interpretive power to aid analysis of agile PG and midmanagement. Activity Theory (AT) lends itself to these demands [4,8,9].…”

Roles of Middle Managers in Agile Project Governance

“…Agile PG is complex and multifaceted in nature given that it involves multiple actors, processes, tools, and socio-technical interactions aimed at achieving project success [23]. Consequently, our study demanded a flexible socio-technical theoretical framework with expansive analytical and interpretive power; activity theory lends itself to these demands [11,18,20]. Activity theory was used as the principal theory to develop an Activity-oriented Project Governance (APGov) conceptual framework (Fig.…”