Abstract
While studies on self-reinforcing mechanisms in information systems (IS) research rely on methodologies that focus on the technical level without fully accounting for such effects on the organizational level, management research relies on methodologies that concentrate researchers’ efforts on the organizational level. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Path Biography Methodology, a qualitative approach that helps researchers capture and analyze self-reinforcing mechanisms on and between technical and organizational levels. By synthesizing insights from IS and management research, we develop four principles that researchers should consider when applying the Path Biography Methodology. Using a path biography study of a university and its information system, we illustrate how researchers may apply this methodology to analyze self-reinforcing mechanisms. Overall, this paper lays the groundwork for a research methodology that enables researchers to capture and analyze selfreinforcing mechanisms on and between technical and organizational levels.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the Thirty Sixth International Conference on Information Systems. ICIS 2015 |
Editors | Traci Carte, Armin Heinzl, Cathy Urquhart |
Number of pages | 21 |
Place of Publication | Atlanta, GA |
Publisher | Association for Information Systems. AIS Electronic Library (AISeL) |
Publication date | 2015 |
Article number | 1645 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780996683111 |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | 2015 International Conference on Information Systems: Exploring the Information Frontier, ICIS 2015: Exploring the Information Frontier - Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States Duration: 13 Dec 2015 → 16 Dec 2015 Conference number: 36 http://icis2015.aisnet.org/ |
Conference
Conference | 2015 International Conference on Information Systems: Exploring the Information Frontier, ICIS 2015 |
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Number | 36 |
Location | Fort Worth Convention Center |
Country/Territory | United States |
City | Fort Worth, Texas |
Period | 13/12/2015 → 16/12/2015 |
Internet address |
Series | Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems |
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ISSN | 0000-0033 |
Keywords
- Qualitative research
- Path biography
- Self-reinforcing mechanisms
- Path dependence