There is much concern among IS researchers due to the failure to establish adequate
conceptual and theoretical foundations, and also the lack of clear definitions of
concepts and terminology in the IS field. This paper considers why this is the case, and
puts forward a framework which has been developed to analyse the emergence of the
IS field, its relationship with associated disciplines, and the problems it currently
faces. These problems are of a fundamental nature and include the field's identity crisis
and epistemological problems; the failure to erect barriers to entry; the reference
discipline problem; and the trend towards increased divergence rather than harmony
and convergence in the field. Urgent research is needed to lay the foundation of a
model for progress in the IS field which will support the evolution of the field towards
control and harmony. This need is now stronger than ever at a time when the status of
IS comes under attack in academic circles and the field seems to be under pressure to
establish a stronger identity and solve fundamental methodological problems.
History
Publication
Proceedings of the 4th European Conference on Information Systems, Lisbon;pp. 17-32