Theory borrowing in IT-rich contexts: Lessons from IS strategy research

Abstract

While indigenous theorizing in information systems has clear merits, theory borrowing will not, and should not, be eschewed given its appeal and usefulness. In this article, we aim at increasing our understanding of modifying of borrowed theories in IT-rich contexts. We present a framework in which we discuss how two recontextualization approaches of specification and distinction help with increasing the IT-richness of borrowed constructs and relationships. In doing so, we use several illustrative examples from information systems strategy. The framework can be used by researchers as a tool to explore the multitude of ways in which a theory from another discipline can yield the understanding of IT phenomena.

Algorithmic decision-making and system destructiveness: A case of automatic debt recovery

“…However, technology is limited by its design and by the capacity of its software and hardware, constraining its user either intentionally or unintentionally (Oliver et al, 2017). Technological limits can be assessed by specifying and examining the different components of an IT artefact (Moeini et al, 2020), which in the case of ADM artefacts typically include a decision-making algorithm, data, and an interface that represents the decision-making outcomes or processes. For instance, decision-making algorithms are inherently limited in that they lack the mindful, context-sensitive processing capabilities that humans possess (Salovaara et al, 2019).…”

Effects on corporate performance through ISS-enabled strategy-making on dynamic and improvisational capabilities

“…The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/1741-0401.htm SM enables strategy processes and practices to promote the capabilities that spur innovation that can be leveraged to enhance firm performance (Moeini et al, 2020;Shollo and Galliers, 2016;Teubner, 2013). Furthermore, recent studies of digital business strategy have postulated that digital technologies (SMACIT: social, mobile, analytics, cloud computing, and Internet of things) can be viable alternatives that enable organizational capabilities and create innovation to gain corporate performance (Chanias et al, 2018;Vial, 2019;Warner and W€ ager, 2019).…”

“…the organizational resources can be exploited vis-à-vis the novel capabilities being explored (Arvidsson et al , 2014; Marabelli and Galliers, 2017; Moeini et al , 2019). Thus, this alignment between ISS and SM enables strategy processes and practices to promote the capabilities that spur innovation that can be leveraged to enhance firm performance (Moeini et al , 2020; Shollo and Galliers, 2016; Teubner, 2013).…”

The Role of TQM Approach in Indonesia Higher Education Quality Assurance

“…The TQM approach is an approach that exists in the business world. When this approach is applied in the world of education, several management theories are borrowed here to make adjustments [33]. Based on the above studies, the authors provide an overview of the application of TQM in tertiary institutions as follows: TQM is an approach that includes customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, shared commitment, and quality control to implement quality management in higher education [34], [35].…”