DESIGN THEORIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS - A NEED FOR MULTI-GROUNDING

摘要: ABSTRACT Within the information systems community there is growing interest in design theories. These theories are aimed to give knowledge support activities. Design considered as theorized practical knowledge. This paper an inquiry into epistemology of It how justify such knowledge; need ground and a theory. A distinction made between empirical, theoretical internal grounding. The empirical grounding has do with effectiveness application External relates theory other One part this general explanatory Internal means investigation warrants (e.g. values categories) cohesion Together, these different processes form coherent approach for multi-grounding (MGDT). As illustrations some examples IS discussed. concerning business interaction which based on language action INTRODUCTION Background purpose Information (IS) discipline concerned designed artefacts. practice interplay usage systems. process (the development) product developed IS) be addressed research (Orlikowski & Iacono, 2001; Benbasat Zmud, 2003). dimensions can, however, ways. Much may deal issues without explicitly using notion design, but conceptual labels. traditional MIS DSS seems describe analyse features relation managerial behavioural aspects context. Such seldom oriented. However, studies kind explain effects decisions then serve basis new said, however often implicit pursued research. reaction towards lack explicit orientation research, several scholars have argued science development use (Walls et al, 1992; March Smith, 1995; Gregor Jones, 2003; Hevner 2004). Walls al (1992) present important contribution. They define "to prescriptive integrate normative descriptive paths intended produce more effective systems" (ibid p 36). specify contents scope both process. There elements conception when developing vigilant executive (ibid). Their also been used by Markus (2002) Jones (2003). Following Simon (1969) they kernel Explanatory thus parts works (1992), (2003) (2004) all contributions our understanding What lacking clear epistemological relations elements. theory, i.e. codified justified governing people's work IS. justification knowledge, includes sources. My main concept Grounding justifying claiming its validities. …