Theory borrowing in IT-rich contexts: Lessons from IS strategy research

Authors

Mohammad Moeini, The University of Warwick, UK
Boyka Simeonov, Loughborough University, UK
Robert D Galliers, The University of Warwick, UK, Loughborough University, UK, Bentley University, USA
Alex Wilson, Loughborough University, UK

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

While indigenous theorizing in information systems has clear merits, theory borrowing will not, and should not, be eschewed given its appeal and usefulness. In this article, we aim at increasing our understanding of modifying of borrowed theories in IT-rich contexts. We present a framework in which we discuss how two recontextualization approaches of specification and distinction help with increasing the IT-richness of borrowed constructs and relationships. In doing so, we use several illustrative examples from information systems strategy. The framework can be used by researchers as a tool to explore the multitude of ways in which a theory from another discipline can yield the understanding of IT phenomena.

DOI

10.1177/0268396220912745

Recommended Citation

Moeini, Mohammad; Simeonov, Boyka; Galliers, Robert D; and Wilson, Alex (2020) "Theory borrowing in IT-rich contexts: Lessons from IS strategy research," Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 35: Iss. 3, Article 14.
DOI: 10.1177/0268396220912745
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol35/iss3/14