Paper Number
ICIS2025-1597
Paper Type
Complete
Abstract
Emphasis on structural constraints and reflexivity are two characteristics that distinguish critical research from other qualitative research paradigms. Realizing the importance of reflexivity in critical IS research, recent studies have raised concerns about the lack of reflexive methods. While other disciplines have widely discussed methods of implementing reflexivity, the discussion about pedagogical methods to implement reflexivity in information systems is limited. In this paper, I suggest that positions can help implement reflexivity because position is a surrogate variable for the social structure. The paper proposes a framework for studying positions in critical research. This framework is based on the question of whose position is analyzed in critical research. Based on this fundamental question, I study the positions of a health worker. The study's results indicate that work experience shifts reflexivity from organizational to institutional positions and a more critically reflective attitude.
Recommended Citation
Vaidya, Ranjan, "A Position based framework for conducting critical Information Systems Research" (2025). ICIS 2025 Proceedings. 8.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2025/is_researchmethods/is_researchmethods/8
A Position based framework for conducting critical Information Systems Research
Emphasis on structural constraints and reflexivity are two characteristics that distinguish critical research from other qualitative research paradigms. Realizing the importance of reflexivity in critical IS research, recent studies have raised concerns about the lack of reflexive methods. While other disciplines have widely discussed methods of implementing reflexivity, the discussion about pedagogical methods to implement reflexivity in information systems is limited. In this paper, I suggest that positions can help implement reflexivity because position is a surrogate variable for the social structure. The paper proposes a framework for studying positions in critical research. This framework is based on the question of whose position is analyzed in critical research. Based on this fundamental question, I study the positions of a health worker. The study's results indicate that work experience shifts reflexivity from organizational to institutional positions and a more critically reflective attitude.
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25-Research