Value Co-Creation and Co-Destruction in an IS Artifact: Contradictions of Geocaching

摘要

In this paper we study how value co-creation and value co-destruction are present in an IS artifact. We apply the concept of contradiction (structural tension) to study an IS artifact, geocaching. Based on the analysis of interview data and discussion forum postings, we identified the following contradictions: i) introducing secret society to outsiders, ii) geocaching by breaking its rules, iii) experiencing nature while consuming it, iv) building community occurs with competition. These contradictions show that value co-creation and co-destruction interacts in this IS artifact. Based on the results, we propose that IS research should adopt the concepts of value co-creation and co-destruction when studying the concepts of user, user behavior, and the relationship between these and the IS artifact.