The potential of generative mechanisms for IS research

Abstract

Critical realism is attracting attention in a range of disciplines as a philosophical approach that can reconcile positions previously seen as distinctly different or even incommensurable. In this paper, I argue that the most important potential contribution of CR to the IS field is through the concept of generative mechanisms, in both the practical sense of explaining real world problems and as a contribution to the development of middle range theory within the field. I highlight their potential contribution in a particular domain of empirical work – research on information systems in developing countries (ISDC), and describe a conceptual framework which has been widely used in ISDC research, outlining how the explanatory potential of this approach may be strengthened by adopting a critical realist perspective. Finally, I summarize the potential for generative mechanism based accounts within IS research as a whole and outline some particular considerations for interpretive researchers.