Digital Resilience: A Conceptual Framework for Information Systems Research

In this editorial, we explore the role of IS in shaping the capacity to recover from exogenous shocks. Based on a synthesis of existing literature, we discuss the interplay between IS and resilience, as examined by various streams of research, and consolidate these insights under the banner of “digital resilience.” Our exploration culminates in a new conceptual framework of digital resilience from which we formulate avenues for future research. Through this work, we aim to encourage and support further research and practical strategies focused on digital resilience, ultimately strengthening our collective capacity to navigate the diverse disruptions of our shared future

Museum in the Age of Digital Transformation

Transformational technologies have arrived to the traditional institutions accompanied with new promises and challenges. Nevertheless, little research exists to inform our understanding on the transformation undergoing in our aged old institutions. This short paper presents an in- depth case study at a world-renowned museum in China to develop understanding on the digital transformation of a traditional institution. Our preliminary analysis sheds light on the duality of digital transformation through the theoretical lens of technology affordances. On one hand, digital transformation affords unprecedented possibilities for the revitalization of an aged old institution. On the other hand, digital transformation also generates uncertainties and tensions. Our analysis suggests that most traditional institutions are not well-endowed to quickly adapt to the changing needs in the digital environment. These preliminary findings unveil the intricacies of digital transformation in traditional institutions and serve to inform further theorizing around this underresearched phenomenon

Leveraging IS-based Energy Systems for Energy Poverty Alleviation in Zambia: An Interpretive Case Study

Energy poverty is a pressing societal challenge, affecting over 700 million people worldwide, particularly underserved communities. Although information systems (IS) resources have been made available to alleviate energy poverty, realizing their effective use for intended impacts remains challenging. In this ongoing research, we adopt a resourcing perspective to explore how IS resources can be effectively used to alleviate energy poverty in underserved contexts. We present a community case study in Lusaka, Zambia, where the effective use of IS-based Energy Systems (IES) has yielded promising results. We develop an initial framework that explains “what it takes” to realize effective IES resourcing for energy poverty alleviation, including mechanisms (i.e., gap spotting, narratives, and scaffolding) and actors (i.e., resource providers and users) in three stages - resourcing IN, resourcing WITHIN, and resourcing OUT. We also indicate the next steps of this study and expected contributions and discuss implications for future research

Designing a Virtual Reality Video for Disability Inclusion: An Action Design Research

Social inclusion of people with disability is one of the priorities of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities. However, people with disability still face exclusion in society, such as inaccessible facilities and negative social attitudes. In this research, we explore virtual reality (VR) as a tool to raise the general public’s awareness of disability. We conduct an action design research to develop an immersive VR video that promotes disability inclusion, in collaboration with disability practitioners, VR practitioners, disability researchers, and individuals using wheelchairs. In this Short Paper, we present three initial design principles that are critical to addressing three key challenges in disability awareness raising. Our VR artefact, once completed, will serve as a tool for disability awareness raising. The prescriptive knowledge developed could inspire Information Systems researchers and practitioners to explore a similar class of artefacts that promote social inclusion through cultivating awareness and behavioural changes

The Emergence of Social Media as Boundary Objects in Crisis Response: A Collective Action Perspective

During a series of recent natural catastrophes, social media has played an increasingly prominent and varied role in crisis response, ranging from facilitating the recruitment of volunteers during an earthquake to supporting spiritual recovery after a hurricane. In this paper, we propose that social media, beyond the conventional role of information support, can also function as boundary objects, which are crucial in spanning the boundaries among involved parties that inherently restrict crisis response. Using the 2011 Thailand floods as a case study, we present a conceptual model of the role of social media in enabling a coordinated response to disasters. More specifically, the model presents three distinct processes of emergence and the corresponding boundary objects enabled by the use of social media, which are important in bridging the cognitive, relational and social boundaries among the various entities involved in crisis response

Affordances-Improvisation-Actualisation for ICT4D: An Implementation Study in Papua New Guinea Hospitals

Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects are implemented with the goodwill intentions to address a wide range of societal issues specific to developing countries. However, due to various constraints, the outcomes of these projects are mixed. Therefore, how to effectively implement ICT4D projects remains an important question in the ICT4D research. This research-in-progress explores this question through a case study of ICT implementation in Papua New Guinean hospitals, using affordance theory as the theoretical lens. Within our ICT4D context, we unpack the affordance-actualisation process by identifying two affordances and their realisation actions and outcomes. Moreover, we theorise two types of improvisation critical during the affordance-actualisation process: adaptive implementation and flexible application. Our preliminary findings extend the theoretical understanding of affordance-actualisation in the ICT4D context and emphasise the importance of improvisation for successfully implementing ICT4D projects

Affordances-Improvisation-Actualisation for ICT4D: An Implementation Study in Papua New Guinea Hospitals

Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects are implemented with the goodwill intentions to address a wide range of societal issues specific to developing countries. However, due to various constraints, the outcomes of these projects are mixed. Therefore, how to effectively implement ICT4D projects remains an important question in the ICT4D research. This research-in-progress explores this question through a case study of ICT implementation in Papua New Guinean hospitals, using affordance theory as the theoretical lens. Within our ICT4D context, we unpack the affordance-actualisation process by identifying two affordances and their realisation actions and outcomes. Moreover, we theorise two types of improvisation critical during the affordance-actualisation process: adaptive implementation and flexible application. Our preliminary findings extend the theoretical understanding of affordance-actualisation in the ICT4D context and emphasise the importance of improvisation for successfully implementing ICT4D projects

KNOWLEDGE EMBODIMENT OF HUMAN AND MACHINE INTERACTIONS: ROBOTIC-PROCESS-AUTOMATION AT THE FINLAND GOVERNMENT

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are fundamentally changing the nature of work. Specifically, AI algorithms are challenging the humans in knowledge work. Therefore, while enjoying the benefits of AI, many organisations face difficulties managing knowledge work performed together by humans and machines. To date, there is a lack of empirical research on how organisations manage the transformation of knowledge work when adopting AI technologies. With the aim of delving into this emerging phenomenon, we conducted an in-depth case study at the Finnish government shared services centre during their implementation of an AI-centric robotic process automation (RPA) technology. To theorise how humans and machines work together, we adopted a theory of knowledge embodiment. Based on our initial qualitative interpretive analysis of the case data, we identified four cognitive stages: cognitive reasoning, cognitive collaborating, cognitive scaffolding, and cognitive extending. Moving forward, we deepen our under-standing of how these stages form a process of knowledge embodiment. Our research aims to contribute to theory by conceptualising the knowledge embodying process in the future of work, meantime extending the theory of knowledge embodiment. We contribute to practice by providing implications on how humans and machines perform knowledge work together in organisations where AI technologies are used