Responding to Three Issues in Hassan (2014)

This article is intended to address three of the issues raised by Hassan (2014) in his essay: “Value of Information Systems (IS) Research: Is there a Crisis?”. The three issues addressed here pertain to: (1) the desirability and nature of an IS core; (2) the relative social value in the study of IS whether narrowly or broadly defined; and (3) indicators of better research. Regarding the core, an argument for a narrow definition of the core is proposed with the view of providing a target for retention of central issues in IS rather than as a defining characteristic of what is necessary for inclusion in the IS portfolio. The meaning of social value will naturally and beneficially vary among the large number of IS scholars. It is of importance to recognize and stimulate, without mandating, efforts to bridge traditional IS concerns and broader social issues. The various criteria for evaluating value in IS, or any other research domain, are challenged with counter examples. Finally, suggestions for moving forward are presented

Progress and Stewardship in Information Systems Research: Addressing Barriers to Cumulation through Active Process Ownership

Scientific cumulation is regarded as the goal of the information systems field but is challenged by complex and unaligned incentives operating differently at both institutional and individual level. Few studies have explored how incentives create barriers to scientific cumulation and how these can be addressed to achieve improved scientific progress. To adress this, we introduce a process model of scientific cumulation and combine this with the perspective of business process management to describe the scientific process that must be managed and to show how active process ownerhip can contribute to stewardship of the scientific process. We argue that unaligned incentives that influence the IS field can best be managed with the goal of scientific progress and cumulation in mind, where process owners and many levels actively address barriers to cumulation

Building a Better World through Information Systems – An Explorative Survey among Leading IS Researchers

IS research and practice needs to take on the big questions and global challenges. While the IS community is well positioned to assist in addressing these challenges, IS research has been criticized to lack relevance. We investigate how and to which extent IS can contribute to build a better world, in particular with regard to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We therefore conduct an explorative survey among leading IS researchers on a global scale. Based on 171 responses, we employ qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to synthesize the survey data, document and discuss results, and derive implications. Besides positive aspects, the survey also reveals challenges and critique concerning IS research. We provide a starting point, create awareness, and stimulate further discussions and research. With the right focus and alignment, IS practice and research has the potential to take on the big questions and can help to build a better world