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Blockchain in the IS research discipline: a discussion of terminology and concepts

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  • Nadine Kathrin Ostern

    (Frankfurt School of Finance and Management)

Abstract

Blockchain has the potential to significantly shape the way in which interpersonal and inter-organizational relations will be managed. Despite high expectations, the technology lacks real-world applications that go beyond cryptocurrencies and that convince with efficiency and effectiveness. The gap between visions and theory, on the one hand, and reality, on the other hand, triggered a debate on the future of blockchain and the role of IS research in shaping this future. However, researchers currently struggle to make meaningful quantitative analyses and predictions regarding where and how blockchain is efficiently and effectively applicable. One reason for this is conceptual fuzziness, to which this paper points out. The author identifies three issues, i.e., presence of (i.) terminological ambiguities, (ii.) concept proliferation and conceptual inconsistencies, and (iii.) technological determinism, which IS research needs to clarify if the discipline wants to make reliable predictions about compelling use cases of blockchain.

Suggested Citation

  • Nadine Kathrin Ostern, 2020. "Blockchain in the IS research discipline: a discussion of terminology and concepts," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 30(2), pages 195-210, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:30:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s12525-019-00387-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-019-00387-2
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    Cited by:

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    2. Thies, Ferdinand & Wallbach, Sören & Wessel, Michael & Besler, Markus & Benlian, Alexander, 2024. "Initial coin offerings and the cryptocurrency hype - the moderating role of exogenous and endogenous signals," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 144179, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    3. Horst Treiblmaier, 2022. "Do cryptocurrencies really have (no) intrinsic value?," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(3), pages 1749-1758, September.
    4. Rainer Alt, 2022. "Electronic Markets on AI and standardization," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(4), pages 1795-1805, December.
    5. Roger W.H. Bons & Johan Versendaal & Liudmila Zavolokina & Weidong Larry Shi, 2020. "Potential and limits of Blockchain technology for networked businesses," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 30(2), pages 189-194, June.
    6. Nora Nahr & Marikka Heikkilä, 2022. "Uncovering the identity of Electronic Markets research through text mining techniques," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(3), pages 1257-1277, September.
    7. Sharma, Gagan Deep & Tiwari, Aviral Kumar & Chopra, Ritika & Dev, Dhairya, 2024. "Past, present, and future of block-chain in finance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    8. Toufaily, Elissar & Zalan, Tatiana, 2024. "In blockchain we trust? Demystifying the “trust” mechanism in blockchain ecosystems," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Blockchain; Distributed ledger technology; Conceptualization; Terminology; Technology adoption;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O39 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Other

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