A Critical Assessment of Information Systems Action Research

Abstract

The debate between rigor and relevance in information systems research has motivated methodological pluralism in the information systems field. In the recent years IS researchers have applied various methodologies; one such method that is gaining prominence is action research. As qualitative method that emphasis collaboration between researchers and practitioners’ action research has been applied to study IS in various organizational settings. In this chapter we address the issues associated with action research. In doing this we develop a set of criteria to assess the quality of information systems action research. We then provide recommendations to improve both the incidence and the quality of action research in the field.