Theorizing in information systems research: A reflexive analysis of the adaptation of theory in information systems research

Abstract

In this paper we consider what it means to be an informed IS researcher by focusing attention on theory adaptation in IS research. The basic question we seek to address is: "When one borrows theory from another discipline, what are the issues that one must consider?" After examining the role of theory in IS research, we focus on escalation theory applied to IS projects as an example. In doing so, we seek to generate increased awareness of the issues that one might consider when adapting theories from other domains to research in our field. This increased awareness may then translate to a more informed use of theories in IS. Following a self-reflexive tale of how and why escalation theory was adopted to IS research, we offer four recommendations for theory adaptation: (1) consider the fit between selected theory and phenomenon of interest, (2) consider the theory's historical context, (3) consider how the theory impacts the choice of research method, and (4) consider the contribution of theorizing to cumulative theory.

Systematic Mapping Study of Information Technology for Development in Agriculture (The Case of Developing Countries)

“…Scholars (Truex et al, 2006) describe theory as a lens through which researchers can focus and magnify certain things, while filtering out others things presumed to be noise. Likewise, Gregor (2006) argues that theories guide the type of research to be conducted, which she categorized into four distinct classes (see Table 5, column 1).…”

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“…However, to advance the field of crowdsourcing research, these theories should also be used to provide a theoretical framework for a study rather than just to support a hypothesis. All five types of theory have in common that they are used as a means of advancing the state of knowledge in a given field -to add to cumulative theory [53]. Based on this notion, we would argue that crowdsourcing research would benefit if researchers used their theoretical efforts to create taxonomies and frameworks as a foundation to develop causal models that explain and predict phenomena.…”

The Social Side of Theory: A Community-Based Narrative of Research and Theory

“…Such established results include the role of theory in the choice of research topics, the political nature of theory in ongoing power struggles in institutions, the relationship of research question and theory, and many others (Gregor, 2006;Truex et al, 2006). This is hardly surprising given that most of us are engaged as scholars in these debates and are at least aware of them and read the contributions.…”

“…It is certainly true that discussions of theory are an ongoing feature of most academic disciplines and possibly even more so in disciplines that lack a long history or strong institutional standing: disciplines such as IS. This may explain the continuing high level discussions of what theory is in the field of IS and how it can be 'used' (Gregor, 2006;Truex, Holmström, & Keil, 2006).…”