Rethinking Time in Global Information Systems Research

Abstract

This paper explores the significance of temporality in the study of global information systems (IS) Research. It critiques the static cross-sectional focus of traditional IS research, advocating for longitudinal studies that capture the evolving dynamics of organizational processes and technological change, in the context of globalized and complex IS. We conduct a meta-analysis of 327 longitudinal IS studies between 2004 and 2023, categorizing them by methodological approach (ethnographic, quantitative) and time perception (social “Kairos” vs. mechanical “Chronos”). We propose a conceptual framework highlighting the need for future IS research to integrate both social and mechanical conceptions of time. This framework aids in understanding technological adoption, user behavior, and organizational transformation in a global context. The paper underscores the importance of considering temporal factors in IS research, offering insights that benefit both academic researchers and practitioners in managing long-term IS implementations involving complex and multicultural teams.