Enhancing theoretical contribution in information systems research: The case of technology adoption

Nik Rushdi Hassan, Lars Mathiassen, Paul Benjamin Lowry

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

Abstract

Many editors of top information systems (IS) journals often blame the lack of theoretical contribution as a major reason for rejecting articles. This essay proposes an actionable approach for IS researchers that views research and the process of theorizing as a discursive practice and applies discourse analysis to (1) analyse the extent of their study's theoretical contribution, (2) suggest alternative theoretical strategies, (3) consolidate the theoretical foundation of the study and, (4) use generative theoretical products that modify existing concepts or invent new concepts to declare the insights and value the study offers. To demonstrate this approach, one of the IS field's most prolific research programs, technology acceptance and adoption, is analysed to show the efficacy of the approach. The analysis demonstrates that the trajectory of technology acceptance research could have taken a more impactful route if its underlying theories were seriously addressed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication27th European Conference on Information Systems - Information Systems for a Sharing Society, ECIS 2019
EditorsJan vom Brocke, Shirley Gregor, Oliver Muller
PublisherAssociation for Information Systems
ISBN (Electronic)9781733632508
StatePublished - 2020
Event27th European Conference on Information Systems: Information Systems for a Sharing Society, ECIS 2019 - Stockholm and Uppsala, Sweden
Duration: Jun 8 2019Jun 14 2019

Publication series

Name27th European Conference on Information Systems - Information Systems for a Sharing Society, ECIS 2019

Conference

Conference27th European Conference on Information Systems: Information Systems for a Sharing Society, ECIS 2019
Country/TerritorySweden
CityStockholm and Uppsala
Period6/8/196/14/19

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 27th European Conference on Information Systems - Information Systems for a Sharing Society, ECIS 2019. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Contribution to theory
  • Discursive formation
  • Foucault
  • Information systems theory
  • Novel concepts
  • Products of theorizing

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