Introduction
Following up on the research question identified in SLP1 and the references selected in SLP2, the present paper provides a summary of articles from the second part of the session-long project. The main research question of the session was in identifying the research methods in IS which are suitable to the changes occurring in the workplace today and which remain central to the core identity of the IS discipline. In that regard, the main emphasis in the literature reviewed is on the characteristics of proposed IS models and the underlying assumptions of these models, and the basis for their formulation.
Extending technology usage models to interactive hedonic technologies
In Lin and Bhattacherjee (2010), the authors propose using and expanding IS research theories in order to enhance hedonic outcomes, rather than utilitarian outcomes such as productivity. In that regard, the authors draw a parallel between IS literature, identifying its key determinants, and new hedonic systems of entertainment, e.g. online video games (Lin & Bhattacherjee, 2010). The research framework established by the authors focused on customizing attitude theories in psychology literature by focusing on the unique attribute of hedonic systems, which are their technical quality and interaction quality. In that regard, both those attributes can be seen as reflective of the IT component of the IS systems, which is relevant to the proposed research question. Accordingly, the research model proposed hypotheses on the relationship between behavioral aspects such as perceived enjoyment and attitude with IT-related aspects such as technical quality and interaction quality. The article tested the hypotheses empirically through surveys, as the elements of the model can be quantified. The empirical tests validated the proposed system, finding that technical quality and interaction quality can be used as predictors of cognitive beliefs that influence the usage of IT systems.
A Theoretical Integration of User Satisfaction and Technology Acceptance
In Wixom and Todd (2005), the research method proposed by the authors was based on the integration of two areas of IS literature, related to the perceptions of system’s success, which are user satisfaction and technology acceptance. The authors argue that integrating both approaches allows building a conceptual model that will allow more fully examine the role of IT in organizations, and accordingly will eliminate the limitations of both approaches if taken separately. The logic linking both theoretical approaches through deriving the target behavior of interest (IT usage) from behavioral beliefs, determined in turn by object-based attitudes, which are influenced by object-based beliefs. Those object-based beliefs serve as an independent variable in the research model, categorized into information quality and system quality, both of which can be evaluated through key antecedents (Wixom & Todd, 2005, p. 90). Such a model was empirically tested through surveys which collected data from users in seven different organizations. The results of the survey supported the proposed model, along with the proposition of integrating both theoretical perspectives.
With the aforementioned models for IS research relying on empirical evidence, a descriptive theoretical approach was selected in Hevner, March, and Ram (2004). The article analyzed the two paradigms that characterize the literature on IS –behavioral and design science, describing a conceptual framework that integrates both of them. The integration of both paradigms is reflected through two phases of IS research, a stage in which behavioral science targets the development and justification of theories explaining and predicting phenomena, and a stage in which design science builds and evaluates artifacts. The inputs of both stages are derived from identified business needs taken from the environment, where the goals are truth and utility (Hevner, March, Park, & Ram, 2004, p. 80). The article follows the conceptual model with a list of guidelines that should be followed at each stage of the framework. The article concludes with a call to align such guidelines with real industrial solutions in order to reduce the gap in collaboration between academic research and industrial experience.
The last theoretical article in Järvinen (2000) explains a framework for selecting a research method in IS studies. The author proposes a taxonomy of research approaches which is then compared to other classifications on various criteria. The framework proposed is a top-down approach in which the resulting classification differentiates between theory testing, theory building, artifacts building, and artifacts evaluating approaches for research methods in IS. The classifications proposed are based on an extensive review of literature in which research objects and research questions act as guides for selection (Järvinen, 2000). The article serves merely as a classification outline, where in order to obtain detail of a particular framework the source material should be consulted. Accordingly, the theoretical paradigm and the basis for selecting such a framework are explained in the source material. Nevertheless, it can be stated that the article provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide for selecting literature on primary literature on a framework. The investigation of the taxonomy was based on a comparison with other classification systems.
Conclusion and Reflection
It can be concluded that the articles which tested empirically the frameworks proposed were more successful in explaining the way their models were constructed. In that regard, they provide a more useful basis to modify and/or adapt a model, remaining faithful to the theoretical bases. A translation of the conceptual model into a step-by-step illustrative example of a real case might be required to better comprehend the differences between each approach. Accordingly, the direction for future research can be seen through identifying a method that will be suitable for the current environment in the workplace.
The SLP mainly provides tools for investigating the theoretical foundation in IS research, its paradigm, and the different models. It allows gradually processing from an investigation of literature into identifying a gap, from which a problem might be formulated. Such a problem will serve as a foundation for individual research contributing to such an area of knowledge.
References
Hevner, A. R., March, S. T., Park, J., & Ram, S. (2004). Design Science in Information Systems Research. MIS Quarterly 28(1), 75-105.
Järvinen, P. H. (2000). Research questions guiding selection of an appropriate research method. Paper presented at the 8th European Conference on Information Systems, Vienna.
Lin, C.-P., & Bhattacherjee, A. (2010). Extending technology usage models to interactive hedonic technologies: a theoretical model and empirical test. Information Systems Journal, 20(2), 163-181. Web.
Wixom, B. H., & Todd, P. A. (2005). A Theoretical Integration of User Satisfaction and Technology Acceptance. Information Systems Research, 16(1), 85-102. Web.