About Reference Disciplines and Reference Differences: A Critique of Wade et al.

Authors

V Grover, Clemson University, USAFollow
Rahul Gokhale, Clemson University, USAFollow
Jaejoo Lim, Clemson University, USAFollow
Ramakrishna Ayyagari, Clemson University, USAFollow

Abstract

Two articles published in this issue (Wade et al. and ours) through similar analyses reach contrasting conclusions on whether Information Systems, as a field, is evolving toward a reference discipline. In this article, we provide a critique of Wade et al. We first assess our different interpretations of reference discipline, and then discuss the consequences of including highly related disciplines in citation analysis. Finally, we illustrate the sensitivity of Wade et al.'s results to the inclusion and exclusion of certain journals. We also consider potential interpretations of second degree citations. It is hoped that the arguments presented here reconcile the differences as we collectively advance thinking on the state of IS as a reference discipline.

Recommended Citation

Grover, V; Gokhale, Rahul; Lim, Jaejoo; and Ayyagari, Ramakrishna (2006) "About Reference Disciplines and Reference Differences: A Critique of Wade et al.," Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 7(5), .
DOI: 10.17705/1jais.00087
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol7/iss5/11

DOI

10.17705/1jais.00087