The Qualitative Difference in Information Systems Research and Practice

Abstract

Since the Manchester conference on research methods in Information Systems (IS) more than ten years ago, qualitative IS researchers have made great strides toward acceptance both within the IS field and in broader academic communities. This is a major collective achievement of which we all should be proud. Yet, we may well have reached the point of diminishing returns in this direction. While incremental improvement is possible and desirable, many of us are motivated by more ambitious goals. Therefore, I invite you to join me in undertaking three ambitious ventures: celebrating diversity in qualitative methods, converging on content in our field, and pursuing practicality in IS research. These complementary activities are worthy in their own right and promise important instrumental benefits to our community of research practice.