Advancing Information Systems Theories Vol. 1: Rationale and Processes

Many IS researchers are looking for more substantive coverage and discussions surrounding information systems (IS) theories, not just about theories in IS research, but specifically fresh and original indigenous IS theories. It is inconceivable for a field so relevant to the era of the hyper-connected society, disruptive technologies, Big Data, social media, the weaponization of information and “fake news” to not be brimming with its own native theories. It is towards this goal that the “Advancing Information Systems Theories” series of volumes was published in June 2021.

Table of contents (Scroll below for Zoom sessions)

• Introduction: Why Theory? (Mis)Understanding the Context and Rationale by Hassan, Nik Rushdi and Willcocks, Leslie. Pages 1-52
• Theoretical, Empirical, and Artefactual Contributions in Information Systems Research: Implications Implied by Ågerfalk, Pär J. and Karlsson, Fredrik. Pages 53-73
• Theoretical Diversity in IS Research: A Causal Structure Framework by Rowe, Frantz and M. Lynne Markus. Pages 75-130
• Theory Building: Neither an Art nor a Science, But a Craft by Rivard, Suzanne. Pages 131-159
• The Process of Information Systems Theorizing as a Discursive Practice by Hassan, Nik Rushdi, Mathiassen, Lars and Lowry, Paul. Pages 161-217
• Theorizing Digital Experience: Four Aspects of the Infomaterial by Kreps, David. Pages 219-237
• Design Science Theorizing: The Contribution of Practical Theory by Goldkuhl, Göran and Sjostrom. Pages 239-273
• Pathways to IT-Rich Recontextualized Modifying of Borrowed Theories: Illustrations from IS Strategy Moeini, Mohammad, et al. Pages 275-308.
• Pluralist Theory Building: A Methodology for Generalizing from Data to Theory by Müller, Sune Dueholm, et al. Pages 309-361
• Revitalizing Thoughts on Theory, Theorizing, and Philosophizing in Information Systems by Haj-Bolouri, Amir. Pages 363-395
• Reviving the Individual in Information Systems Theorizing by Taxén, Lars. Pages 397-447

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Advancing Information Systems Theories Volume 1 Zoom sessions – September, 2021

This September, we are pleased to offer a three-part interactive Zoom session in which the authors of the chapters in that volume will share the highlights of their reflections on important aspects of advancing IS theories. Volume 1 (https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783030648831) focuses on why IS theories are needed, what are IS theories and how is theorizing in IS done. Registration is required. Register here to participate in these timely and intellectually stimulating sessions.

Date	Speakers	Title
Session 1: Tue, Sept 14, 2021 at 2:00pm US Central Standard Time (CST), 9:00pm Central European Time (CET) Host: Nik Rushdi Hassan	Nik Rushdi Hassan and Leslie P. Willcocks	Why Theory? (Mis)Understanding the Context and Rationale Discussant: Alta van der Merwe
	Pär J. Ågerfalk and Fredrik Karlsson	Theoretical, Empirical, and Artefactual Contributions in IS Research: Implications Implied Discussant: Noel Carroll
	Mohammad Moeini, Robert D. Galliers, Boyka Simeonova, and Alex Wilson	Pathways to IT-Rich Recontextualized Modifying of Borrowed Theories: Illustrations from IS Strategy Discussant: Joseph Budu
	Amir Haj-Bolouri	Revitalizing Thoughts on Theory, Theorizing, and Philosophizing in Information Systems Discussant: Bill Bonner
Session 2: Wed, Sept 22, 2021 at 2:00pm US Central Standard Time (CST), 9:00pm Central European Time (CET) Host: Leslie Willcocks	Frantz Rowe and M. Lynne Markus	Theoretical Diversity in IS Research: A Causal Structure Framework Discussant: Dan Robey
	Suzanne Rivard	Theory Building: Neither an Art nor a Science, But a Craft Discussant: Allen Lee
	Sune Dueholm Müller, Lars Mathiassen, and Carol Saunders	Pluralist Theory Building: A Methodology for Generalizing from Data to Theory Discussant: Gregory Vial
Session 3: Thur, Sept 30, 2021 at 2:00pm US Central Standard Time (CST), 9:00pm Central European Time (CET) Host: Suzanne Rivard	Nik Rushdi Hassan, Lars Mathiassen, and Paul Lowry	The Process of Information Systems Theorizing as a Discursive Practice Discussant: Bill Doolin
	Lars Taxén	Reviving the Individual in Information Systems Theorizing Discussant: Daniel Treku
	David Kreps	Theorizing Digital Experience: Four Aspects of the Infomaterial Discussant: John Oredo
	EJIS’s editors’ session: Michael Myers, Kieran Conboy and Pär J. Ågerfalk	IS Theories in the age of pandemics: COVID-19 and beyond

Unless specified otherwise, the sessions will be recorded to allow those who are unable to join the Zoom session to watch in their own time. Only registrants will gain access to the recordings.

Future volumes of the Advancing IS Theories series

Volume 2: The Products of Theorizing in IS (late 2022 timeframe)

Volume 2 showcases exemplars from the “products of theorizing” approach. We are looking for articles that go beyond verificational dimensions of scientific practice and push the envelope of theorizing towards native products of theorizing including theory frame devices (i.e., questions, paradigms, laws, and frameworks), theory generators (i.e., myths, analogies, metaphors and models), and theory components (i.e., concepts, constructs, statements and hypotheses). A Journal of Information Technology (JIT) Special Issue titled “Products of Theorizing: Towards Native Theories of Emerging Information Technology” is being announced and provides a journal outlet for selected chapters of this volume. This future volume is based on a forthcoming JAIS editorial.

Volume 3: Information Systems Theories (sometime in 2024)

Volume 3 showcases fresh, original native IS theories with a capital “T”, not derived theories from social psychology, economics, management or other disciplines.