Information Systems Theory

Why do IS research submissions either demonstrate an inappropriate use of existing theories and/or models or lack it completely? Perhaps because there are so many theories that come from so many disparate disciplines, from computer science through sociology. It is subsequently not an easy task for researchers to find adequate information on a theory of interest in order to further understand it and apply it in a new research context. Consequently, the researchers use various papers that are available, which have utilized the theory of interest but, again, these papers either do not present a full account of the theory or, based on the authors needs, they present a slightly modified and fragmented version of the particular theory. §Although such a severe deficiency exists in a vital area of IS knowledge, apart from an AIS Wiki site (Schneberger & Wade, 2009) and a recently edited volume by Dwivedi which contains in-depth coverage on a limited number of theories, no attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive and in-depth account, coverage and collection of many prominent theories, models and related research approaches appropriate to IS research. A literary and meta-analytic collection of theories will provide a valuable aid to IS research, IS researchers and practitioners and IS students. §The overall mission of the proposed book is to provide a comprehensive understanding and coverage of the various theories, models and related research approaches utilized within Information Systems research. To achieve the overall mission, the proposed book will fulfill the following objectives: §To provide a descriptive understanding of the various theories and models applicable to study IS/IT management related issues. §To outline and describe, for each of the various theories and models, independent and dependent constructs, reference discipline/originating area, originating author(s), seminal articles, level of analysis (i.e. firm, individual, industry) and links with other theories. §To provide a critical review/ meta-analysis of IS/IT management articles which have utilized a particular theory/model.§To establish a link between a particular theory/model and research approaches/methods used in IS research. §To provide examples/descriptions of real world applications of the various theories on the basis of empirical studies. §To provide an understanding of traditional and contemporary methods for testing and building the theories and models.