Context is king! Considering particularism in research design and reporting

We aim to raise awareness of context by examining its role in empirical research. We apply the dichotomy of universalism and particularism, and discuss the interaction of theory and culture in order to consider the scope of validity for research findings and conclusions. We illustrate our arguments...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of information technology 2016-09, Vol.31 (3), p.241-249
Main Authors: Davison, Robert M, Martinsons, Maris G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Business and Management
Business Information Systems
Contextualism
Culture
Debates and Perspectives
Information Systems and Communication Service
Innovation/Technology Management
Management
Referencing
Scholarly communication
Studies
Theory
Universalism
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Summary:We aim to raise awareness of context by examining its role in empirical research. We apply the dichotomy of universalism and particularism, and discuss the interaction of theory and culture in order to consider the scope of validity for research findings and conclusions. We illustrate our arguments by referencing three cases, each of which has contextual inadequacies. We aim to discourage the conduct of research, and acceptance of papers, that falsely implies universalism, relies on convenient samples or ignores indigenous constructs. We offer specific prescriptions for authors, editors and reviewers to help ensure that both the research context and scope of validity are adequately communicated and understood.
ISSN:0268-3962
1466-4437
DOI:10.1057/jit.2015.19