Abstract

Recent studies of information systems suggest a coalescing around a limited set of methods and subject areas, particularly led by a dominance of technology adoption studies and research methods that orbit around the technology adoption model (TAM). This is interpreted as evidence of a maturing of a discipline and the development of scientific foundations. I would suggest that far from this being the case, the dominance of particular method and topics is resulting in a disciplinary stagnation and the fuelling of an increasing irrelevance of information systems studies to both practice and research innovation. Having illustrated this with reference to two recent information systems trends studies, and briefly critiqued the dominant information systems paradigm, I draw on a recent study of the evolution of behavioural sciences using computer models. I suggest that the development of information systems is an example of bad science, constrained by social and economic forces. I offer some suggestions on how different environmental forces could be applied to reinvigorate information systems. However, I conclude by suggesting that regardless of changing evolutionary forces, there is a deeper underlying philosophical concern which is catalysing the malaise of information systems.

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