Abstract

Scholarly influence is a critical concept in academia, and in the field of Information Systems (IS), impacting stakeholders in significant ways. It influences decision-makers in resource allocation, promotion and tenure committees in evaluating academic progression, journal editors in strategizing the positioning of their publications, and researchers in selecting suitable publication venues (Walstrom, Hardgrave, & Wilson, 1995). Despite its importance, there is no universally accepted metric for measuring scholarly influence, and a definitive theoretical framework for understanding this construct is still lacking (Takeda, 2011). Instead, a variety of bibliometric indicators are employed to assess the 'influence' of academic research, reflecting its multifaceted impact on the scholarly community. The Association for Information Systems (AIS), the premier global organization for the research, teaching, practice, and study of information systems, annually recognizes exceptional individuals within the field through the LEO Award for lifetime achievement and the AIS Fellow Award for significant contributions in research, teaching, and service. This research paper undertakes an empirical analysis of the distinguished recipients of these awards to assess patterns and indicators of scholarly influence within the Information Systems (IS) field. By examining a comprehensive dataset that includes citation metrics, h-index scores, and publication histories—with a particular emphasis on contributions to the AIS Basket of journals—this study aims to delineate the academic and professional traits that signify exemplary performance and influence. Additionally, the research explores the role of digital and social media engagement by analyzing the awardees' social media activities and the use of promotional altmetrics, providing insights into modern strategies for enhancing scholarly visibility and impact. The methodological approach combines quantitative analysis of academic metrics with qualitative assessments through interviews and reviews of online presences and curriculum vitae. This study not only identifies the evolving criteria for these prestigious awards but also offers a nuanced understanding of how scholarly influence can be manifested and recognized in the IS community. The findings are expected to offer valuable insights into the metrics and behaviors considered exemplary by the IS community, thereby guiding emerging scholars in strategizing their professional activities to achieve recognition and influence in the field.

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