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Commentaries on the role of theory

In: Formulating Research Methods for Information Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Allen S. Lee

    (Virginia Commonwealth University)

  • M. Lynne Markus

    (Bentley University)

  • Ola Henfridsson

    (University of Warwick)

  • Deborah R. Compeau

    (Western University)

  • Fernando Olivera

    (Western University)

  • David Silverman

    (Goldsmiths’ and King’s College
    University of Technology Sydney)

  • Shirley Gregor
  • Julien Malaurent

    (ESSEC Business School)

  • David Avison

    (City University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Whether a theory is an instance of ‘theory light’ or ‘theory is king’ depends on what is meant by ‘theory’ and, ultimately, ‘science’ in the first place. I offer a classification of science where one dimension is sciences that describe or explain either (1) what exists or has existed or (2) how to create what does not now exist or has not existed before, and the other dimension is sciences that study either (1) the physical world or (2) the world of people and their institutions. The resulting four science categories invite the consideration of different forms of theory based on their different purposes, as well as the consideration that the path to success traveled by theory in one science category is not necessarily generalizable and appropriate to, much less much less replicable by, theory in another science category. I provide the example of an ethnographically based theory that can be seen as ‘theory light’ or ‘theory rich, ‘ or even as an illustration of ‘theory is king, ‘ depending on the science category in which the theory is considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Allen S. Lee & M. Lynne Markus & Ola Henfridsson & Deborah R. Compeau & Fernando Olivera & David Silverman & Shirley Gregor & Julien Malaurent & David Avison, 2015. "Commentaries on the role of theory," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Leslie P. Willcocks & Chris Sauer & Mary C. Lacity (ed.), Formulating Research Methods for Information Systems, chapter 9, pages 238-297, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-137-50985-7_10
    DOI: 10.1057/9781137509857_10
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