Document Type : علمی - پژوهشی
Authors
1
Professor, Department of Management, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Kerman, Iran.
2
Ph.D. Student, Department of Information Technology Management, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
3
Professor, Department of Information Technology Management, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction and Objective: Research in the field of information systems has undergone significant transformations over the past two decades. These transformations have led to fundamental changes in the methodologies employed in this domain. In this regard, three primary approaches used in information systems studies include positivism, interpretivism, and critical realism, which dictate the theory and methods applied. Each of these approaches has its own specific ontological assumptions along with various strengths and weaknesses. One of the major challenges faced by information systems research is the existence of contradictions between theory and practice within the frameworks of positivism and interpretivism. These contradictions arise from the inconsistencies between the ontological assumptions of researchers and the actual functioning of science, necessitating a reevaluation of the ontological premises of research and practice in information systems. According to the methodology of critical realism, a distinction exists between the "real" and "observable" worlds, with unobservable structures giving rise to observable events. Information systems, characterized by their technical and social nature, can only be understood when the structures that generate events are recognized and comprehended. By emphasizing the importance of philosophical topics, critical realism provides a fruitful context for information systems research, enabling the reinterpretation of scientific activities and the concepts of structures and generative mechanisms. This approach offers greater explanatory power compared to current research methodologies, resolving the contradictions between theory and practice. Thus, this study conducts a systematic review of theoretical foundations using a narrative review approach to develop a comprehensive understanding of practical concepts and specialized perspectives surrounding one of the prominent methods in information systems research, namely critical realism. This study represents a systematic examination of theoretical foundations, presenting findings from a narrative synthesis of previously published information regarding critical realism.
Method: This research employs a systematic narrative review approach aimed at examining the theoretical foundations related to critical realism. For this purpose, the research was conducted in two main steps. In the first step, a search for reputable sources was conducted using two approaches: automated and snowballing, both forward and backward, in recognized databases. Through searching with defined keywords, 137 relevant articles were obtained. In the subsequent phase, these articles were further analyzed using both forward and backward approaches, adding 19 additional valid studies, bringing the total number of articles to 156. Finally, after screening the resources obtained from automated searches, forward and backward methodologies, and eliminating duplicates, 152 sources were found. These sources were assessed based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in the removal of 103 sources. Ultimately, following a qualitative evaluation of the collected studies, 49 studies were selected for an in-depth review. In the second step, based on the narrative review method and in the context of the SANRA methodological tool guidelines, fundamental concepts related to the methodological framework of critical realism were examined and extracted.
Results: The findings of this study highlight several key points. Firstly, the distinction between the real world and the observable world, which critical realism offers, allows researchers to delve deeper into phenomena and gain a more accurate understanding of the structures influencing information systems. Secondly, by addressing the contradictions between theory and practice, critical realism enables researchers to identify and resolve inconsistencies between theory and practice. Additionally, this research suggests that researchers should utilize dynamic mixed-method approaches that incorporate critical realism in information systems research to enhance the quality and effectiveness of future studies. This is because critical realism provides a realistic position that, while acknowledging criticisms leveled against realism, aligns with the practical realities of information systems as an applied discipline. Overall, this study advises researchers in this field to emphasize critical realism, pursuing a deeper investigation of current issues to achieve genuine and meaningful outcomes in the domain of information systems.
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the importance of critical realism as an effective approach in information systems research. Critical realism emphasizes that to fully understand information systems, it is insufficient to rely solely on observable structures; it is also necessary to examine the unobservable and hidden structures that underlie observable phenomena. Given that many current research methods in the field of information systems may fail to achieve a comprehensive and valid understanding of reality, critical realism serves as a suitable and effective alternative to address these theoretical and practical contradictions. Furthermore, the analyses conducted in this research indicate that selecting appropriate research methods based on the types of data and research questions can facilitate a better understanding of information systems. Consequently, researchers seeking to generate serious and credible knowledge in this field should leverage the tenets of critical realism. This study emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear and comprehensive theoretical framework for information systems research and demonstrates that critical realism can provide a suitable foundation for a deeper understanding of the complex structures and active mechanisms within this domain. It is anticipated that by relying on this approach, researchers will achieve more reliable results, enhancing their analytical capabilities and understanding of the changes and challenges within information systems research. The narratives and fundamental concepts identified, considering the ontological assumptions as the core of the critical realism methodology, address key epistemological issues such as causality and validity, as well as the explanation of access to reality through the recognition of what exists and the knowledge surrounding it. They also encompass the logic of inference in the research process, primarily through what is recognized as retroductive or abductive reasoning—the use of current information or ideas to infer or explain an event (or past situation)—and the choice of research methodology and strategy as fundamental concepts when conducting research using critical methodology in the field of information systems. The aforementioned narratives are presented and discussed within four categories: (1) Ontological narratives and mechanisms of production and causality, (2) Reality in critical realism, (3) The process of retroductive reasoning in critical realism, and (4) Research design.
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