Studying Information Technology in Organizations: Research Approaches and Assumptions

Abstract

We examined 155 behavioral information systems research articles published from and found that while this research is not rooted in a single overarching theoretical perspective it does exhibit a single set of philosophical assumptions about the the nature of valid evidence and the phenomena of interest to information systems researchers. We argue in this paper that these philosophical assumptions draw on the natural science tradition, and hence may not always be appropriate for inquiry into the relationships between information technology and people or + organizations. In particular, we suggest that the development and use of information technology within organizations is inherently processual and contextual, and that these characteristics are not always adequately captured by the philosophical assumptions prevalent in information systems research. Positing social process as central to information systems phenomena asserts the importance of studying the ongoing interactions among people, information technology and organizations, as these are situated historically and contextually.We argue in this paper that the dominant research perspective in information systems research is not well-equipped to deal with situated interactions over time, and propose additional research philosophies to augment the one currently favored by behavioral information systems researchers. We outline the features of such additionaI research perspectives, the interpretive and the critical, providing empirical examples to illustrate how and when they may be useful. We conclude that multiple research perspectives can usefully be employed within the inforrnation systems community to enrich understanding of behavioral information systems phenomena.

On the Difference or Equality of Information, Misinformation, and Disinformation: A Critical Research Perspective

“…They are closely linked to our understanding of the nature of being (ontology) but also to our view of right and wrong (ethics) or the nature of humankind (anthropology). These implications, which are often discussed under the heading of "paradigm" go far beyond what we can discuss in this brief paper (Orlikowski & Baroudi, 1991;Varey, Wood-Harper & Wood, 2002). The question of truth is important in this essay because it has to do with the difference between information and mis-/dis-information.…”

Social Informatics: Principles, Theory, and Practice

“…The social informatics researcher adopts a critical orientation and prioritizes an empirical view of ICT. By 'critical orientation' we don not mean to convey synonymy with critical theory ands its orientation towards emancipation and Marxist theory [Orlikowski & Baroudi, 1991]. Here, critical denotes an orientation that challenges the accepted wisdom and taken-for-granted assumptions regarding ICT.…”

Barriers to open e-learning in public administrations

“…However, the associated positivist worldview led to a neglect of the role and influence of social interaction. Therefore, researchers in information systems are now trying out qualitative approaches, and generally, there is an increase in the discussions on design choices (Myers, 1997;Orlikowski & Baroudi, 1991). In response, suitable qualitative approaches such as netnography (Kozinets, 2007) and the soft systems method (SSM; Checkland & Poulter, 2010) and entire socio-technical schools of thought have emerged.…”