Toward Principles of Construct Clarity: Exploring the Usefulness of Facet Theory in Guiding Conceptualization

Authors

• Meng Zhang, Queensland University of TechnologyFollow
• Guy Gable, Queensland University of TechnologyFollow
• Arun Rai, Georgia State UniversityFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Meng Zhang
Guy Gable
Arun Rai

Document Type

Selected papers from the Information Systems Foundations (ISF) Workshop

Abstract

Conceptualization in theory development has received limited consideration despite its frequently stressed importance in Information Systems research. This paper focuses on the role of construct clarity in conceptualization, arguing that construct clarity should be considered an essential criterion for evaluating conceptualization and that a focus on construct clarity can advance conceptualization methodology. Drawing from Facet Theory literature, we formulate a set of principles for assessing construct clarity, particularly regarding a construct’s relationships to its extant related constructs. Conscious and targeted attention to this criterion can promote a research ecosystem more supportive of knowledge accumulation.

Recommended Citation

Zhang, Meng; Gable, Guy; and Rai, Arun (2016) "Toward Principles of Construct Clarity: Exploring the Usefulness of Facet Theory in Guiding Conceptualization," The Australasian Journal of Information Systems: Vol. 20: No. 1, Article 18.
DOI: 10.3127/ajis.v20i0.1123
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/ajis/vol20/iss1/18