A Meta-Theory for Understanding Information Systems Within Sociotechnical Systems

作者：Bostrom Robert P^*; Gupta Saurabh; Thomas Dominic

来源：Journal of Management Information Systems, 2009, 26(1): 17-47.

DOI：10.2753/MIS0742-1222260102

• adaptive structuration theory
• conceptual model
• meta-theory
• technology-mediated learning
• virtual teams

Information systems (IS) research often attempts to examine and explain how technology leads to outcomes through usage of IS. Although extensive research in this area has resulted in a significant number of theories, limited work has been done on integrating these theories. This paper presents adaptive structuration theory (AST) as a meta-theory for examining IS within an organizational context. The two main contributions of the paper are an understanding of meta-theory's role in IS and building a case for using AST as a meta-theory to (1) provide an overarching perspective for understanding and integrating existing literature and theories, (2) provide a template and set of guidelines for creating better context-specific IS models and theories, and (3) provide a deeper understanding of a theory. Along with discussion of the contributions, we provide examples to guide researchers in applying AST as a meta-theory.

• 出版日期2009