Researcher perspectives in Electronic Markets

In the information systems literature generally, most articles are single-perspective in nature, with most reflecting only the interests of the focal organisation. A review of articles published in Electronic Markets found that this journal conforms with that norm. On the other hand, modest numbers of articles were found in each of the less common researcher perspective categories. Some single-perspective research privileges market participants rather than marketspace operators, or a market regulator. The focus can alternatively be on the interests of non-participants who are affected by market operations, such as the people whose data is trafficked. There are also instances of dual-perspective research, which actively seeks balance between the interests of sellers and buyers, or of traders and marketspace operators. A modest number of multi-perspective works were found. Surprisingly few study complex inter-organisational chains and networks, even though collaboration is known to be vital and hence so much more value can be delivered if researchers reflect the wide range of interests. Rather more articles consider the broader context of a market and deliver value for policy-makers. The Editors have been cautiously welcoming of submissions that adopt the less mainstream approaches, particularly through innovative Calls for Special Issues. This openness will be an important element underpinning EM's ongoing success. In the Information Systems literature generally, most articles are single-perspective in nature, with most reflecting only the interests of the focal organisation. A review of articles published in Electronic Markets found that this journal conforms with that norm. On the other hand, modest numbers of articles were found in each of the less common researcher perspective categories. Some single-perspective research privileges market participants rather than marketspace operators, or a market regulator. The focus can alternatively be on the interests of non-participants who are affected by market operations, such as the people whose data is trafficked. There are also instances of dual-perspective research, which actively seeks balance between the interests of sellers and buyers, or of traders and marketspace operators. A modest number of multi-perspective works were found. Surprisingly few study complex interorganisational chains and networks, even though collaboration is known to be vital and hence so much more value can be delivered if researchers reflect the wide range of interests. Rather more articles consider the broader context of a market and deliver value for policy-makers. The Editors have been cautiously welcoming of submissions that adopt the less mainstream approaches, particularly through innovative Calls for Special Issues. This openness will be an important element underpinning EM's ongoing success.