Methodological practice and policy for organisationally and socially relevant IS research : an inclusive-exclusive perspective
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62) › 21_Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
Author(s)
Related Research Unit(s)
Detail(s)
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 288-293 |
Journal / Publication | Journal of Information Technology |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 4 |
Online published | 20 Sep 2011 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2011 |
Link(s)
Abstract
In this research paper, we argue that the tendency of Information Systems (IS) researchers to work with a rather parsimonious set of research methods, notably those that follow the positivist tradition, demonstrates a significant degree of methodological exclusiveness. We contend that such an exclusive practice is both counterproductive to good IS research and unethical. Further, it severely and unreasonably limits the extent to which IS research and researchers can contribute to both pressing organisational problems and the scholarly literature. We synthesise our position in a set of four arguments that guide our discussion of the nature and consequences of methodological exclusiveness, as well as possible solutions. We end the paper with an exposition of steps that could be taken to address the current situation.
Research Area(s)
- epistemology, exclusiveness, inclusiveness, methods, relevance, rigour
Citation Format(s)
Methodological practice and policy for organisationally and socially relevant IS research : an inclusive-exclusive perspective. / Davison, Robert M; Martinsons, Maris G.
In: Journal of Information Technology, Vol. 26, No. 4, 12.2011, p. 288-293.Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62) › 21_Publication in refereed journal › peer-review