The Theoretical Core and Academic Legitimacy: A Response to Professor Weber

Authors

Kalle Lyytinen, Case Western Reserve University, USAFollow
John L. King, University of Michigan, USAFollow

Abstract

We respond to Ron Weber’s commentaries regarding the necessity of a theoretical core in achieving academic legitimacy for the IS field. We examine the practical problems in identifying a theoretical core, clarify the ontological connection between identity and legitimacy, acknowledge mistakes in our earlier formulation criticizing the necessity of theory in legitimation, and attempt a synthesis between our views and those of Weber. The paper concludes with suggestions for improving the workability of efforts to improve the legitimacy of the IS field.

Recommended Citation

Lyytinen, Kalle and King, John L. (2006) "The Theoretical Core and Academic Legitimacy: A Response to Professor Weber," Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 7(10), .
DOI: 10.17705/1jais.00103
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol7/iss10/27

DOI

10.17705/1jais.00103