Mixed methods research is an approach that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods in the same research inquiry. Such work can help develop rich insights into various phenomena of interest that cannot be fully understood using only a quantitative or a qualitative method. Notwithstanding the benefits and repeated calls for such work, there is a dearth of mixed methods research in information systems. Building on the literature on recent methodological advances in mixed methods research, we develop a set of guidelines for conducting mixed methods research in IS. We particularly elaborate on three important aspects of conducting mixed methods research: (1) appropriateness of a mixed methods approach; (2) development of meta-inferences (i.e., substantive theory) from mixed methods research; and (3) assessment of the quality of meta-inferences (i.e., validation of mixed methods research). The applicability of these guidelines is illustrated using two published IS papers that used mixed methods.

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Bridging the qualitative-quantitative divide: guidelines for conducting mixed methods research in information systems

An understanding of culture is important to the study of information technologies in that culture at various levels, including national, organizational, and group, can influence the successful implementation and use of information technology. Culture also plays a role in managerial processes that may directly, or indirectly, influence IT. Culture is a challenging variable to research, in part because of the multiple divergent definitions and measures of culture. Notwithstanding, a wide body of literature has emerged that sheds light on the relationship of IT and culture. This paper sets out to provide a review of this literature in order to lend insights into our understanding of the linkages between IT and culture. We begin by conceptualizing culture and laying the groundwork for a values-based approach to the examination of IT and culture. Using this approach, we then provide a comprehensive review of the organizational and cross-cultural IT literature that conceptually links these two traditionally separate streams of research. From our analysis, we develop six themes of IT-culture research emphasizing culture's impact on IT, IT's impact on culture, and IT culture. Building upon these themes, we then develop a theory of IT, values, and conflict. Based upon the theory, we develop propositions concerning three types of cultural conflict and the results of these conflicts. Ultimately, the theory suggests that the reconciliation of these conflicts results in a reorientation of values. We conclude with the particular research challenges posed in this line of inquiry.

Review: a review of culture in information systems research: toward a theory of information technology culture conflict

This study examines 83 IS qualitative studies in leading IS journals for the following purposes: (a) identifying the extent to which IS qualitative studies employ best practices of justifying sample size; (b) identifying optimal ranges of interviews for various types of qualitative research; and (c) identifying the extent to which cultural factors (such as journal of publication, number of authors, world region) impact sample size of interviews. Little or no rigor for justifying sample size was shown for virtually all of the IS studies in this dataset. Furthermore, the number of interviews conducted for qualitative studies is correlated with cultural factors, implying the subjective nature of sample size in qualitative IS studies. Recommendations are provided for minimally acceptable practices of justifying sample size of interviews in qualitative IS studies.

Does sample size matter in qualitative research?: A review of qualitative interviews in IS research

Empirical studies that use structural equation modeling (SEM) are widespread in information systems research. During the last few years, the component-based approach partial least squares (PLS) for testing structural models has become increasingly popular. At the same time, this approach's limitations have become a greater concern. Some researchers even suggest using alternative approaches that are considered superior to PLS. However, we believe that PLS is an adequate choice if the research problem meets certain characteristics and the technique is properly used. Thus, the intention of this article is to resolve potential uncertainties that researchers intending to use PLS might have. Consequently, we provide a nontechnical overview of PLS and outline the ongoing discourses on SEM in general and the PLS approach in particular. Furthermore, we present a basic framework for empirical research applying PLS as well as a detailed explanation of the different process steps. Finally, examples of information systems research using PLS are summarized to demonstrate its beneficial application and the appropriateness of the proposed framework. This article can serve as a helpful guide for inexperienced researchers applying PLS for the first time, but also as a reference guide for researchers with a better understanding of the field. Keywords: structural equation modeling, partial least squares, information systems research I. INTRODUCTION The information systems (IS) discipline examines socioeconomic systems that are characterized by the interplay between hardware and software on the one hand, as well as individuals, groups, and organizations on the other. For example, technology adoption, acceptance, and success, as well as the conditions under which these can be achieved are typical issues that are addressed by IS research. These research fields are similar in that their investigation requires the researcher to cope with constructs such as the beliefs, perceptions, motivation, attitude, or judgments of the individuals involved. These constructs are usually modeled as latent variables (LVs) that can be measured only through a set of indicators. Structural equation models describe the relationships between several of these LVs. A number of algorithms and software programs are available to estimate their relationships based on a dataset. Among these algorithms, the partial least squares (PLS) algorithm has become increasingly popular both in IS research and in other disciplines such as marketing (Albers 2010; Henseler et al. 2009) or strategic management (Hulland 1999). However, reminders of this approach's limitations have recently become more prominent. Consequently, researchers opt for a more careful application of PLS. Especially its statistical power at small sample sizes, the overall model fit, as well as the misspecification of measurement models have been the focus of recent discussions. To resolve the uncertainties that researchers intending to use PLS might have, we investigate current discourses on the PLS approach. In the following sections, we: * demonstrate the increasing popularity of PLS in the IS research community * outline the PLS approach by providing a nontechnical overview and reflecting on the ongoing discussion on structural equation modeling (SEM) in general and on PLS in particular * discuss differences between PLS and covariance-based approaches * present a basic framework for empirical research applying the PLS approach * provide examples of its beneficial application in IS research As a result, this paper helps SEM beginners and advanced researchers to make an informed decision about whether to use SEM or other alternative approaches to SEM. Even more, we present up-to-date recommendations on how to apply PLS appropriately. Section II demonstrates the increasing popularity of PLS for SEM in IS research by conducting a systematic review of literature that appeared in two prestigious IS journals during the last fifteen years. …

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Structural Equation Modeling in Information Systems Research Using Partial Least Squares

This working paper has been thoroughly revised and superseded by two distinct articles. The first is a revised and peer-reviewed version of the original article: Okoli, Chitu (2015), A Guide to Conducting a Standalone Systematic Literature Review. Communications of the Association for Information Systems (37:43), November 2015, pp. 879-910. This article presents a methodology for conducting a systematic literature review with many examples from IS research and references to guides with further helpful details. The article is available from Google Scholar or from the author's website. The second extension article focuses on developing theory with literature reviews: Okoli, Chitu (2015), The View from Giants’ Shoulders: Developing Theory with Theory-Mining Systematic Literature Reviews. SSRN Working Paper Series, December 8, 2015. This article identifies theory-mining reviews, which are literature reviews that extract and synthesize theoretical concepts from the source primary studies. The article demonstrates by citation analysis that, in information systems research, this kind of literature review is more highly cited than other kinds of literature review. The article provides detailed guidelines to writing a high-quality theory-mining review.

A Guide to Conducting a Systematic Literature Review of Information Systems Research

Case research has commanded respect in the information systems (IS) discipline for at least a decade Notwithstanding the relevance and potential value of case studies, this methodological approach was once considered to be one of the least systematic Toward the end of the 1980s, the issue of whether IS case research was rigorously conducted was first raised Researchers from our field (eg, Benbasat et al 1987; Lee 1989) and from other disciplines (eg, Eisenhardt 1989; Yin 1994) called for more rigor in case research and, through their recommendations, contributed to the advancement of the case study methodology Considering these contributions, the present study seeks to determine the extent to which the field of IS has advanced in its operational use of case study method Precisely, it investigates the level of methodological rigor in positivist IS case research conducted over the past decade To fulfill this objective, we identified and coded 183 case articles from seven major IS journals Evaluation attributes or criteria considered in the present review focus on three main areas, namely, design issues, data collection, and data analysis While the level of methodological rigor has experienced modest progress with respect to some specific attributes, the overall assessed rigor is somewhat equivocal and there are still significant areas for improvement One of the keys is to include better documentation particularly regarding issues related to the data collection and analysis processes

Rigor in information systems positivist case research: current practices, trends, and recommendations

The literature is packed with “one-size-fits-all” advice on how to develop intentionally formed virtual communities of practice (VCoPs). However, a closer look at the literature shows that VCoPs often have unique “personalities.” Based on an extensive review of the literature and a study of 18 VCoPs, we built a typology containing 21 structuring characteristics. We then used this typology and three of the studied VCoPs to show how different their basic natures are. Researchers and practitioners alike must not only recognize the diversity of VCoPs, but also identify challenges, strategies and practices that are contingent upon their specific characteristics.

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Towards a Typology of Virtual Communities of Practice

Purpose – Despite the increasing popularity of virtual communities of practice (VCoPs), our understanding of how to intentionally form, develop and sustain them is still at an embryonic stage. Aims to go some way to remedying this.Design/methodology/approach – Investigates the attempt by 14 organizations to implement 18 VCoPs. Using existing documents, detailed logs, and focus groups, a large quantity of qualitative data was gathered, coded, and analyzed.Findings – The study shows that the environment, the relevance of the VCoP's objectives to its members' daily work, and the degree to which the VCoP is embedded in the organizational structure of an organization are the three structuring characteristics most likely to explain the success or failure of a VCoP at the launching stage.Research limitations/implications – The focus is limited to the launching phase; further research should investigate different stages of development.Practical implications – The results may offer an indication as to the most imp...

The impact of structuring characteristics on the launching of virtual communities of practice

Recent interviews with GVT leaders and members offer criticaladvice from the trenches regarding the challenges and copingstrategies for collaborating on a global scale.

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Papers

Rigor in information systems positivist case research: current practices, trends, and recommendations

Towards a Typology of Virtual Communities of Practice

The impact of structuring characteristics on the launching of virtual communities of practice

Global Virtual Teams

Software stories: three cultural perspectives on the organizational practices of software development