Making sense of technological frames: Promise, progress, and potential

Abstract

In a seminal paper, Orlikowski and Gash (1994) articulated a conceptual framework for technological frames of reference (TFR) to lay the groundwork for a systematic approach to socio-cognitive research on information technology. This work is widely cited as a justification for social and socio-cognitive analysis of IT, but a limited number of studies utilizing and further developing the frames concept have been published in the ensuing decade. In this paper, we review the promise of the technological frame concept, assess theoretical and methodological progress evident in TFR publications, and consider how potential contributions of TFR may be realized in future research. In doing so, we consider how limitations in TFR research to-date might be addressed, including the feasibility of a rapprochement with quantitative research methods, of TFR analysis at the industry level of analysis, and of action research approaches. © 2004 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.