Shared sensemaking from a diversity of experts: A methodology for exploring complex MIS issues

Abstract

Topics such as global information systems, enterprise systems, and electronic commerce bring substantial complexity to the study of information systems. There is therefore a need for research methodologies that will help researchers understand complex phenomena and that will take advantage of technology and the knowledge of experts to further research efforts when possible. This paper introduces Shared Sensemaking in Diversity (SSD), a methodology for discovering two types of shared sensemaking that occur when a diverse group of experts have discussions centered on a given complex issue. Results are given from a healthcare management forum which used SSD. A discussion of the validity of SSD and ideas for improvement are also provided. The research for this paper was supported by the Texas Institute for Health Policy Research and was conducted at Memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas. The authors wish to thank Donald Wagner for making its facilities available; Donde Ashmos, Camille Miller, Michelle Walls, and Klaus Kroyer Madsen for their assistance with the research; and Stefano Grazioli and three anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments.