A six-stage framework for evolutionary IS research using path models

Abstract

Purpose-Evolutionary theorizing has recently been added as a useful tool to the research repertoire of information systems investigators. However, the literature on evolutionary theorizing and related empirical research lacks a clear framework that explicitly shows how information systems researchers can go, step-by-step, from a generic model of the evolution of traits in our ancestral past to a more specific model depicting the effects of technology facilitation of those traits among modern humans. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap through a framework comprised of six stages. Design/methodology/approach-To discuss and illustrate the framework we develop an easy-to-understand generic path model explicitly depicting relationships among variables related to events that occurred in our evolutionary past. We then incrementally adapt this generic path model, eventually arriving at a focused path model depicting causal relationships among social networking site use, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and job performance. In doing so, we also develop a theoretical model about how social networking site use can affect job performance, where a positive total effect is predicted via positive intermediate effects on job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Findings-To discuss the final stage in the framework, we present an illustrative example where the focused path model is tested based on a study of the effect of Facebook use on job performance among 178 working professionals across the USA. This illustrative example provides general support for the theoretical model. Research limitations/implications-The counterintuitive hypothesis that Facebook use is associated with increased job performance is supported. Practical implications-Social networking site use by organizational employees is likely to be associated with improved job performance. Originality/value-This study provides a clear framework that shows how researchers can go from a generic evolutionary path model in our ancestral past to a more specific model comprising technology effects in modern humans.

Explaining the emergence of hedonic motivations in enterprise social networks and their impact on sustainable user engagement

“…Recently, scholars have used the principles of behavioral economics to construct a behavioral model of human nature (Kenrick et al , 2003; Kock, 2004, 2009; Tooby et al , 2006; Kock and Moqbel, 2016; Dai et al , 2015). A particular instantiation of such a motivational model is the Four-Drive Model, postulating that human behavior in the workplace is motivated to a greater or lesser extent by the drives to acquire, bond, comprehend and defend (Lawrence and Nohria, 2002).…”

Intended Continued Use Social Networking Sites

“…Except for H10 and H11, the hypotheses discussed in the previous section are shown in the path model (Kock & Moqbel, 2016) presented in Figure 1, where most variables are latent variables measured through multiple items (or indicators). Measures for intention to continue using SNSs were adopted from Agarwal and Karahanna (2000) and Davis et al (1992); for perceived ease of use from Davis (1989); and for perceived enjoyment from Agarwal and Karahanna (2000) and Davis et al (1992).…”