Nothing is more practical than a good conceptual artifact… which may be a theory, framework, model, metaphor, paradigm or perhaps some other abstraction

摘要: This research commentary proposes a way to make progress in the IS discipline's inconclusive discussion about nature and role of theory. In some ways, creation testing theory seems be primary goal research. Despite that, there are persistent questions whether has become fetish discipline routinized production mid-range theories is little more than an uninspired script that reduces value interest paper reframes around idea ‘conceptual artifact’ been discussed widely educational psychology for over decade. Conceptual artifacts abstract knowledge objects can produced, tested improved. recognizes both (conceptual artifacts) non-abstract knowledge. It explains theorizing produces, evaluates or improves useful conceptual may not theories. validates four premises related by showing work system created used many different types artifacts. identifies nine criteria evaluating shows them differ from typical Gregor Type IV As whole, it argues privileging other beneficial pursuing needs study.