Inductive Empiricism, Theory Specialization and Scientific Idealization in IS Theory Building

2023 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Iivari, Juhani

Abstract: This paper distinguishes and discusses three strategies for theory building in ... Expand

Abstract: This paper distinguishes and discusses three strategies for theory building in Information Systems (IS) -inductive empiricism, theory specialization, and scientific idealization -and contrasts them in terms of three desiderata of theories -realism, generality, and precision -and the tradeoffs between them. Inductive empiricism, emphasizing realism and generality, represents the received view with the classic Grounded Theory Methodology as a prime example. This paper argues for openness to theory specialization in practical disciplines such as IS. Theory specialization implies sacrificing a generality of theories for their realism and precision. The distinctive attention of the paper lies in scientific idealization, sacrificing the realism of theories for their precision and generality. It has almost been completely omitted in the literature on IS theory building. The special focus of this paper lies in IT applications as a category of IT artifacts and in design-oriented theories that provide knowledge of how to design "better" IT applications. This paper illustrates its points using TAM/UTAUT research. Collapse

Topics: technology adoption ease of use affordance

Methods: theory development design artifact kernel theory design theory

Theories: technology acceptance model unified theory of acceptance and use of technology

How product review voting is influenced by existing votes, consumer involvement, review valence, and review diagnosticity

2023 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Tseng, Shih-Lun; Lu, Shuya; Weathers, Danny; Grover, Varun

Abstract: Websites that allow consumers to post online reviews often allow others to signa ... Expand

Abstract: Websites that allow consumers to post online reviews often allow others to signal the value of the reviews by voting for them as being helpful (i.e., an upvote) or unhelpful (i.e., a downvote). Although a review's content should drive votes, herd behavior may also be operative if consumers discount their own judgments of the review based on signals others provide. Using a field study of online product reviews from Amazon, a longitudinal experiment, and two cross-sectional experiments, we find evidence for herd behavior: consumers' voting de­ cisions and intentions are influenced by others' votes. However, this effect is complex with multiple moderating factors, including consumer involvement, review valence, and review diagnosticity. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for reducing the potential negative effects of herd behavior in the context of online reviews. Collapse

Topics: online review Reddit Twitter electronic commerce user-generated content

Methods: computational algorithm longitudinal research longitudinal experiment statistical hypothesis test parametric test

Theories: signaling theory

Developing design principles to standardize e-commerce ecosystems

2022 | Electronic Markets | Citations: 0

Authors: Wulfert, Tobias; Woroch, Robert; Strobel, Gero; Seufert, Sarah; Möller, Frederik

Abstract: Platform ecosystems have captured a variety of markets, enabling coordination, t ... Expand

Abstract: Platform ecosystems have captured a variety of markets, enabling coordination, transactions, and value co-creation between independent actors. A focal platform constitutes the central nexus of e-commerce ecosystems and fosters the interaction among ecosystem participants through their boundary resources. Standardizing these interfaces simplifies ecosystem entry for developers and increases the number of participants propelling the network effects, and thus the overall value of the ecosystem. Currently, there is a lack of prescriptive design knowledge guiding platform owners in designing successful e-commerce ecosystems. Addressing this issue, we followed a dual approach, reporting on a systematic literature review in which we identified design requirements and complemented these with a multiple-case study on selected e-commerce ecosystems. Aggregating the requirements resulted in six meta-requirements and 19 design principles that foster the standardization of focal e-commerce platforms. Our design principles simplify the development of complements and enable multi-homing for developers due to possible standardization across ecosystems. Collapse

Topics: electronic commerce digital ecosystem electronic business network effect application programming interface

Methods: design principle design requirement multiple case study case study structured literature research

Theories: boundary objects theory

IoT-commerce - opportunities for customers through an affordance lens

2021 | Electronic Markets | Citations: 0

Authors: Bayer, Sarah; Gimpel, Henner; Rau, Daniel

Abstract: Retail commerce is influenced by digital technologies at large scale. After elec ... Expand

Abstract: Retail commerce is influenced by digital technologies at large scale. After electronic commerce and its evolution into mobile commerce, we now see that the Internet of Things (IoT), one of the most disruptive developments in recent times, is about to radically transform retail commerce from need recognition to post-purchase engagement and service. Extant literature mainly investigates technical features of IoT, missing out on a customer-centric perspective. Theoretically founded in Activity and Affordance Theories, this paper conceptualizes IoT-commerce, identifies opportunities for customers, and links them to the customer buying process. Based on an extensive literature review, twelve affordances are derived and evaluated with a sample of real-world IoT devices. All affordances offered by electronic and mobile commerce are still valid for IoT-commerce but extended by three affordances unique to IoT-commerce: context-aware services, natural interactions, and automated customer processes. Affecting all steps of the customer buying process, IoT-commerce is worth to be understood by researchers, customers, and companies. Collapse

Topics: internet of things mobile system electronic commerce affordance mobile business

Methods: theory development literature study theoretical contribution literature sample

Theories: theory of affordance activity theory

SISP as practice: De-isolating SISP activity across multiple levels

2021 | Journal of Strategic Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Hughes, Jeffrey; McDonagh, Joe

Abstract: The strategic information systems planning (SISP) literature has retained a narr ... Expand

Abstract: The strategic information systems planning (SISP) literature has retained a narrow focus on organizational level activity to date. Limited empirical research has explored SISP’s multi-level interlinkages and complexities. Studies that have attempted to explore the micro activity of strategizing via a practice-based perspective have had their significance to academic and practitioner audiences questioned on grounds of micro-isolationism. Using a strategy as practice (SAP) lens, this study investigates how senior managers practice SISP through case studies of two public sector organizations (PSOs). The research’s primary contribution is a multi-level framework representing the practice of SISP. We ‘de-isolate’ SISP activity by empirically revealing how it is linked across macro, meso, and micro levels by SISP’s practitioners. Relating seemingly mundane strategic activity to matters of consequence has proven an enduring issue. Yet, at a time when organizations are facing grand challenges of increasing frequency and scale, we argue that the situating of day-to-day information systems (IS) strategy work within its broader context has never been more important. We propose a future research agenda premised upon moving ‘upstream’ to position SISP relative to grand challenges and ‘downstream’ to capture more open and inclusive forms of SISP. Collapse

Topics: information systems strategy electronic commerce innovation management Chief Information Officer IT workforce

Methods: case study qualitative interview theory development ethnography design methodology

A Taxonomy of Virtual Reality Applications for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

2021 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Korbel, Jakob; Meywirth, Sophia; Zarnekow, Rüdiger

Abstract: Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Exposure th ... Expand

Abstract: Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Exposure therapy has proven to be a suitable way of treatment for anxiety symptoms. Currently, there are ambitions to digitalise exposure therapy based on Virtual Reality (VR). While a variety of studies verify the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), less research focus on the application of VRET in practice. The objective of this paper is to identify and compare VRET application scenarios from a theoretical and empirical perspective to develop a taxonomy of VRET applications. The findings suggest that companies should focus on holistic VR environments, concentrate their applications on specific age groups and integrate features for the treatment of mild symptoms. Research opportunities occur with regards to the examination of the effectiveness of VRET for mild symptoms and VRET as a new type of stand-alone therapy. Collapse

Topics: database system virtual reality augmented reality smart device mobile health

Methods: literature study literature sample structured literature research

The Identity of Born Virtual Organizations: Exploring the Role of ICT

2021 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 4

Authors: Marx, Julian; Stieglitz, Stefan; Mirbabaie, Milad; Sauer, Tabea; Frowerk, Janice

Abstract: Recent upheavals in the world of work have put many organizations in the positi ... Expand

Abstract: Recent upheavals in the world of work have put many organizations in the position of forced virtualization, turning their extant working practices upside down. Prior to this development, however, increasing numbers of 'born virtual' organizations surfaced in the IT sector and beyond. These organizations rely heavily on ICT and work fully remote, with many of their employees practicing digital nomadism. To better understand this phenomenon, this study compiles a case study of three companies from different sectors that have been operating virtually since their foundation. The results of semi-structured interviews define the concept of the born virtual organization and reveal that ICT not only shape such organizations' identity but also foster individual autonomy, digital processes, constant reinvention, trust through social connectedness, and a shared identity impacting cross-organizational collaboration. This makes the born virtual organization a paragon for organizations aiming to transition into full virtuality. Collapse

Topics: information system use anonymity IS impact digital product video conference

Methods: qualitative interview case study personal interview qualitative content analysis qualitative coding

Theories: identity theory institutional theory

Decoding digital transformational outsourcing: The role of service providers’ capabilities

2021 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Mazumder, Sudipto; Garg, Swapnil

Abstract: The business process outsourcing industry has got disrupted, first by the signif ... Expand

Abstract: The business process outsourcing industry has got disrupted, first by the significant shift in value creation ac­ tivities from the clients to the service providers, and second by pervasive digital penetration, resulting in the emergence of Digital Transformational Outsourcing (DTO). Service providers now play a more significant role, making their capabilities important. In the new context, service providers require a uniquely different set of dynamic capabilities to handle end-to-end business functions on behalf of their clients while delivering digital value propositions. Collapse

Topics: outsourcing human resource management innovation management digital transformation business process innovation

Methods: qualitative interview robustness check fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis personal interview design methodology

Theories: dynamic capabilities theory fuzzy set theory complexity theory

‘Caution – Principle Under Construction’ a Visual Inquiry Tool for Developing Design Principles

2021 | DESRIST | Citations: 0

Authors: Möller, Frederik; Schoormann, Thorsten; Otto, Boris

Abstract: Researchers and practitioners often face challenges in structuring larger design ... Expand

Abstract: Researchers and practitioners often face challenges in structuring larger design projects and, therefore, struggle to capture, discuss, and reflect on essential components that should be considered. These first steps are, however, of great importance because decisions such as in terms of selecting an underpinning (kernel) theory, following certain development approaches, or specifying knowledge sources impact the resulting design solution. To provide a frame for developing one of the dominant forms of prescriptive knowledge in information systems (IS), we present the ‘Principle Constructor’ that seeks to support the iterative endeavor of formulating design principles. This so-called visual inquiry tool is grounded in previous research on design knowledge and an empirical analysis of IS articles that present principles, built according to available guidance for this class of tools, and evaluated through several workshops. Doing this, we provide an underlying structure with building blocks for creating design principles and complement research on their anatomy and development procedures. Collapse

Topics: user requirement sensemaking innovation management IT career system development method

Methods: design principle design requirement design artifact literature study design science

Theories: organizational learning theory

A taxonomy and archetypes of smart services for smart living

2020 | Electronic Markets | Citations: 8

Authors: Fischer, Marcus; Heim, David; Hofmann, Adrian; Janiesch, Christian; Klima, Christoph; Winkelmann, Axel

Abstract: Smart service integrates digital and physical competencies for automated service ... Expand

Abstract: Smart service integrates digital and physical competencies for automated service delivery in smart service systems to co-create value. Smart services envelop digital services delivered through smart products. The latter act as boundary objects to the consumer. Smart services are capable of learning, adapting, and decision-making based on communicated data through self-controlled functions. Due to the multidisciplinary discourse, there is a knowledge gap concerning common ground for central concepts, the transformative potential of smart products as well as evidence-based design knowledge derived from real-world services. In this paper, we apply conceptual research and data analysis to construct a taxonomy that supplies this common ground for smart service. The resulting taxonomy comprises 8 dimensions with 20 characteristics. Based on an empirical analysis of 100 smart services from the smart living sector, we performed a cluster analysis to derive five archetypes that classifies smart service as either monitor, command execution, diagnostics and automation, personal tracker, or trainable assistant using smart products as boundary objects for distinct purposes. Collapse

Topics: smart device mobile system internet of things digital service database system

Methods: cluster analysis literature study hierarchical clustering machine learning post analysis

Theories: boundary objects theory