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The Philosophy of Critical Realism—An Opportunity for Information Systems Research

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  • Philip J. Dobson

    (Edith Cowan University)

Abstract

It is argued that recent research in the information systems field has tended to either emphasise the structural/collective dimension or the agency/individual dimension, not both. Structuration theory is a more recent attempt to address both agency and structure, however there are a number of issues with the use of structuration theory in information systems research, not the least of which is its lack of recognition of the temporal and longitudinal nature of information systems development. A relatively new philosophy, critical realism, provides the potential for a new approach to social investigations in its provision of an ontology for the analytical separation of structure and agency. The philosophy is introduced and its implications for sociological investigation are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip J. Dobson, 2001. "The Philosophy of Critical Realism—An Opportunity for Information Systems Research," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 3(2), pages 199-210, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:3:y:2001:i:2:d:10.1023_a:1011495424958
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1011495424958
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wanda J. Orlikowski, 1992. "The Duality of Technology: Rethinking the Concept of Technology in Organizations," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 3(3), pages 398-427, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shaw, Duncan & Smith, Chris M. & Scully, Judy, 2019. "From Brexit to Article 50: Applying Critical Realism to the design and analysis of a longitudinal causal mapping study," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 276(2), pages 723-735.
    2. Yogesh K. Dwivedi & Banita Lal & Navonil Mustafee & Michael D. Williams, 2009. "Profiling a decade of Information Systems Frontiers’ research," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 87-102, March.
    3. Dadashpoor, Hashem & Ahani, Somayeh, 2021. "Explaining objective forces, driving forces, and causal mechanisms affecting the formation and expansion of the peri-urban areas: A critical realism approach," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    4. A. Kayode Adesemowo, 2023. "IDADA: towards a multimethod methodological framework for PhD by publication underpinned by critical realism," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-16, December.
    5. François-Xavier de Vaujany, 2008. "Capturing Reflexivity Modes In Is: A Critical Realist Approach," Post-Print hal-00644416, HAL.
    6. Paolo Spagnoletti & Federica Ceci & Bendik Bygstad, 2022. "Online Black-Markets: An Investigation of a Digital Infrastructure in the Dark," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 24(6), pages 1811-1826, December.
    7. Olga Volkoff & Diane M. Strong & Michael B. Elmes, 2007. "Technological Embeddedness and Organizational Change," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 18(5), pages 832-848, October.
    8. McMorrow Jake & Esfahani Mona Seyed, 2021. "An Exploration into People’s Perception and Intention on using Cryptocurrencies," HOLISTICA – Journal of Business and Public Administration, Sciendo, vol. 12(2), pages 109-144, August.
    9. Mirani, Rajesh, 2013. "A case study of morphogenetic change in long-term offshoring," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(4), pages 663-673.
    10. Mingers, John, 2015. "Helping business schools engage with real problems: The contribution of critical realism and systems thinking," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 242(1), pages 316-331.
    11. J Mingers, 2006. "A critique of statistical modelling in management science from a critical realist perspective: its role within multimethodology," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 57(2), pages 202-219, February.
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