The choice of critical information systems research

Debra Howcroft, Eileen M. Trauth

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

Accompanying the development and diffusion of information technologies throughout organizations and society is the research challenge to examine the relationship between information systems and the organizations and societies within which they are embedded. As the field of information systems matures, it is fitting that consideration be given to the ways in which such an examination is carried out. Thus, there is a research need not only to examine and assess the ways in which information systems are used and affect people; there is also a research need to examine and assess the research approaches that are used to carry out these assessments. This paper examines the enactment of the critical tradition in IS research and the possibilities for new insights that can arise from shifting the lens from positivist or interpretive to critical. This consideration leads to a discussion of issues that arise from the choice of critical IS research, followed by some recommendations for addressing these issues.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationInf. Systems Research
Subtitle of host publicationRelevant Theory and Informed Practice - IFIP TC8/WG8.2 20th Year Retrospective: Relevant Theory and Informed Practice-Looking Forward from a 20-Year Perspective on IS Res.
PublisherSpringer New York LLC
Pages195-211
Number of pages17
ISBN (Print)1402080948, 9781402080944
StatePublished - 2004
EventIFIP TC8/WG8.2 20th Year Retrospective: Relevant Theory and Informed Practice-Looking Forward from a 20-Year Perspective on IS Research - Manchester, United Kingdom
Duration: Jul 15 2004Jul 17 2004

Publication series

NameIFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
Volume143
ISSN (Print)1868-4238

Other

OtherIFIP TC8/WG8.2 20th Year Retrospective: Relevant Theory and Informed Practice-Looking Forward from a 20-Year Perspective on IS Research
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityManchester
Period7/15/047/17/04

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Information Systems
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Information Systems and Management

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