Response to Jones and Karsten, 'Giddens's Structuration Theory and Information Systems Research'

摘要

In a recent article published in MIS Quarterly, Jones and Karsten (2008) provide a thoughtful and measured review of the application of Anthony Giddens's theory of structuration in information systems research. Their summary of the theory, some of its criticism, and their recommendations for those dedicated to applying the theory in information systems scholarship are cogent and useful.rnIn this response, however, I would like to take issue with some aspects of their article. First, I will argue that Jones and Karsten's characterizations of adaptive structuration theory (AST) and the approach to research AST advocates are too narrowly drawn. Second, I will raise some questions with their contention that structures exist only as memory traces, a conclusion that has important implications for information systems research and design in general.