Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
This essay explores the fixation the field of information systems has with “theory” and my frustration with this focus, examining where this theory focus came from, why it has been so widely adopted, and how it has led to dysfunction. It also offers some recommended action items that the field can take to redirect its efforts in order to become more relevant, resilient, and resourceful. These actions include, broadening the aperture of what legitimate IS research should include, imploring journal editors to change the way “applied” research is handled, bringing back books as an accepted and valued publication outlet, and moving the field in the direction of engagement.
Rudy Hirschheim (Tue,) studied this question.