SOCIAL THEORY IN IS RESEARCH: SOMERECOMMENDATIONS FOR INFORMED ADAPTATIONOF SOCIAL THEORIES IN IS RESEARCH

摘要

In this paper we consider what it means to be an informed IS researcher. In doing this, we have focused ourrnattention to the selection and use of social theories in IS research, and we have asked ourselves “how shouldrnone choose the theory which will guide any given piece of research?” We see this as an important questionrnto reflect upon, given the extensive use of and debate about the efficacy of various social theories in IS researchrnduring the last few decades. After discussing some of the problems and opportunities related to the use of socialrntheories, we argue for an ‘informed eclecticism’ in the adaptation of social theories. With informed ecleticismrnwe mean that while we welcome diversity in theories and recognize this as much needed in our field, we alsornargue for a certain awareness guiding theory selection and use. For this purpose, the paper ends with fourrnrecommendations for theory selection and use: (1) consider the selected theory’s historical context, (2) considerrnthe selected theory‘s sensitivity towards details of the phenomenon under study, (3), consider how the selectedrntheory impacts the choice of research method, (4) consider the theorizing process’ contribution to cumulativerntheory.