A Framework for Analysing Epistemological Assumptions of Research Methods in an International Context

摘要

Within information system (IS) and information technology (IT) research as well as IS and IM management, a methodological pluralism has developed. This results mainly from great differences between competing research traditions, especially those of European and America. In the contexts of multi-disciplinary and international IS research, an epistemological discussion of competing (research) methods offers the chance to support a comprehensive comparison of particular strengths and weaknesses. Thus, the aim of this article is to develop an epistemological reference framework for analysing the epistemological assumptions of research methods in an international context. The consensus-oriented information modelling is given as an example to demonstrate this framework.