|
Contents
Figures
2.1 Research methodology 18
2.2 Data collection approaches 24
3.1 Data collection process 35
3.2 Guiding principles 44
3.3 Challenging factors 47
4.1 Activity model (Engestrom et al., 1999) 56
4.2 AT for data analysis 60
4.3 A guide for AT 63
5.1 Moments of translation (Rhodes, 2009) 77
5.2 Macro and micro connect 82
5.3 Human and non-human symmetric interplay 86
5.4 Shifting negotiation of actor networks 88
5.5 Moments of translation as a lens 89
6.1 Contingency model (Blanton et al., 1992) 94
6.2 Elements in applying CT 99
6.3 Alignment between CT tenets and strategic components 100
6.4 Components of an IT strategy (Iyamu & Adelakun, 2008) 101
7.1 Qualitative data 117
7.2 Innovation-decision process (Rogers, 2003) 119
8.1 Dimensions of DOS 131
8.2 ST to ISD practice 133
8.3 Strategic choice model 135
9.1 Technology acceptance model 144
9.2 TAM in IS 149
9.3 TAM for analysis of qualitative data in IS research 150
10.1 Research strategic approach 162
10.2 Theory selection components 167
11.1 Activity theory 177
11.2 Four moments of translation 180
11.3 Order-of-use 184
12.1 Interaction between sociotechnical agents and actors 200
viii Figures
12.2 Structure and actor 202
12.3 Theoretical framework for complementary application of
ST and ANT 203
12.4 Implication for practice 205
Tables
4.1 Elements of the analytics 65
4.2 AT Components for analysis 67
5.1 Tenets of an actor network 74
5.2 Strengths of an actor network 80
6.1 Analysis components 102
6.2 CT: environmental 104
6.3 CT: structure 105
6.4 CT: strategy 106
6.5 CT: performance 108
7.1 Guide to analysis applying DOI 122
8.1 Guide for data analysis 137
9.1 TAM for data analysis 151
10.1 List of underpinning theories 163
10.2 Sociotechnical theories 163
10.3 Description and tenets 166
11.1 Complementary use of AT and ANT 183
The development, implementation, and management of information sys-
tems and technologies (IS/IT) are increasingly complex and challenging,
primarily because of factors such as human interactions, unprecedented
human actions, emergence of IS/IT solutions, rapid changing of organi-
sational needs for IS/IT solutions, including transformation and cultural
affiliations, which aid the formation of networks within the computing envi-
ronments. Thus, information systems (IS) studies require rigour and deeper
and fresher views using different lenses if different results are to be achieved
in addressing the problems with IS/IT in organisations.
The application of sociotechnical theories to underpin IS research con-
tinues to increase. This more often than not means that the theories are
applied as lenses to guide analysis of data and interpretation of findings,
which ultimately shape the final outcome of studies. Hence, selecting the
appropriate theories to underpin a research is consequential. The book cov-
ers six, activity theory (AT), actor-network theory (ANT), contingency the-
ory (CT), diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, structuration theory (ST),
and the technology acceptance model (TAM), which are the theories mostly
applied in IS research. This book provides a guide, from three fundament
fronts, on how to select a theory, apply the theories, and complementarily
apply theories.
The rapidly changing nature of businesses and user requirements makes it
more difficult to develop and implement systems within a budget and time-
frame. Many organisations focus on the utilisation of IS/IT solutions, and
others are more interested in producing and reproducing technology over
time and space through innovations. What is even more important but chal-
lenging is how the technologies are diffused and used or not used. DOI helps
to understand the practice and philosophical assumptions of the symmetric
between technology innovation and the social context, while TAM focuses
on understanding the factors that impact on the acceptance or rejection of
information technologies in organisations. AT is more concerned with how
actors come together to execute tasks. ANT concentrates on power relation-
ships among actors within heterogeneous networks, while ST focuses on the
relationships and interaction between agents.
Preface
xii Preface
Sociotechnical theories have been employed to underpin many informa-
tion systems studies over the years. Even though these theories have been
used in many IS studies over the years, their application remains difficult.
Also, the understanding that an interpretive tradition and approach implies
a subjective epistemology and the ontological belief that reality is socially
constructed makes the application of the theories very important but chal-
lenging. The ease of selecting and applying the theories are the main moti-
vations and contributions of this book.
I am thankful to the Department of Information Technology, Cape Penin-
sula University of Technology. Graciously, I extend my humble appreciation
to those with the Research Forum at the IT department and the postgraduate
students that I have been fortunate to work with over the years. Tony Ekata,
I thank you immensely for painstakingly proofreading the manuscript.
I feel a deep sense of gratitude to my siblings, particularly Ikpomwenosa
(IK) and Austin, for their constant love and interest in what I enjoyably do.
I am deeply indebted to my family for their consistent and constant love and
care; Ruvimbo, thank you for your patience and support while I burn the
midnight candle.
Gratefully, I offer warmth and profound appreciation to my older cousin,
IK Ediae, and my uncle, Thomas Odemwingie, for their continued guidance
and support. Very importantly, I am privileged to have Fred Eboka, Tony
Uwagbafor, and Osagie Omoregbee as friends. Thank you for always being
there for me.
I dedicate this book to my son, Osa, mother and late father, Mr and Mrs
Iyamu.
Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: | 
