<div dir="ltr"><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div><div>Dear Colleagues,<br></div>There are requests to extend the deadline for paper submission to the SIGPHIL workshop at ICIS 2014. It is now extended to Midnight, CST, Friday, Sept 12. <br></div><div><br>If you're looking for an exciting program at ICIS 2014, I'd like to invite you to the <span>SIG</span> Philosophy's popular evening workshop at ICIS this year (below) featuring (in presentation order) Leslie Willcocks, David Avison, Shirley Gregor, Rudy Hirschheim, and Allen Lee. These panelists will be discussing interesting developments in IS theorizing. So if your ICIS submission didn't quite get accepted, or
just want to socialize with thought leaders in IS, please consider
attending this workshop and perhaps submitting a paper (paper not required to attend workshop, deadline Sept 12) and you can get a friendly review before submitting to the new Theorizing Track at ECIS in Germany. Dinner and
intelligent conversations included.<br>
<br>Looking forward to see you join us,<br>Nik R. Hassan<br></div><div><br>
<p><font size="4">4<sup>th</sup> Concurrent ICIS-SIGPHIL Workshop on IS Theory:
Whence Cometh, Whither Goeth?<br>
(Where does it come from and where is it going?)</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In conjunction with the 2014 International Conference of
Information Systems (ICIS), the AIS Special Interest Group on Philosophy in
Information Systems (AIS-SIGPHIL) will hold its 4th Concurrent-ICIS SIGPHIL
Research Workshop during two evenings of the ICIS conference at the Auckland
Business School, Auckland, New Zealand. Although labeled as a workshop, this
event provides an opportunity to attend the ICIS conference and at the same
time spend quality time with thought leaders of the IS community in an informal
and friendly environment.</p>
<h3>Workshop Presenters And Organizing Committee (in alphabetical order)</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">David Avison, Essec Business School, France</p><p class="MsoNormal">Shirley Gregor, Australian National University, Australia</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nik R. Hassan, University of Minnesota Duluth, USA</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Rudy Hirschheim, Louisiana State University, USA</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Allen Lee, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Alan Litchfield, Auckland University of Technology, New
Zealand</p><p class="MsoNormal">Julien Malaurent, Essec Business School, France</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mary Tate, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Leslie Willcocks, London School of Economics and Political
Science, UK</p>
<h3>Program</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Although the question of IS theory has been discussed since
the inception of the field, this past few years has seen a growing interest in
theory building and theorizing within the IS community. This growing interest
is reflected in landmark articles <span>(Gregor 2006; Gregor and Jones 2007)</span>, panels <span>(Grover et al. 2012; Mueller et al. 2012)</span>, a new theorizing track at
ECIS 2014, discussions on how theories could be faithfully adapted from other
disciplines <span>(Truex et al. 2006)</span>, whether or not IS actually has developed native
theories <span>(Grover 2012; Straub 2012)</span> and how to enhance theories
and theorizing in IS <span>(Kuechler and Vaishnavi 2012; Mueller and Urbach 2013; Weber 2012)</span>.
Riding on this momentum, the 4<sup>th</sup> Concurrent ICIS-SIGPHIL 2014
Workshop will focus on what it means to have theories in IS, the need if any
for theory, possible "obsession" and proliferation of theory in IS, all
forms of theory, and where theory is heading in IS. The workshop will explore these
important issues surrounding theories and theorizing beginning on the first
evening with an introduction by Leslie Willcocks, Editor-in-Chief of the <i>Journal of Information Technology</i>
followed by a keynote presentation by David Avison and Julien Malaurent on
their recent article, "Is theory king?: Questioning the theory fetish in
Information Systems" and Shirley Gregor's response, "Theory –
Still king but needing a revolution!"</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most everyone will agree that research in IS should be truly
original, challenging and exciting, but as Avison and Malaurent <span>(2014)</span>
note, that may not be the case even in our leading journals. Is the emphasis on
theory to be blamed for this apparent triviality and restrictiveness of IS
research? Or do we need, as Avison and Malaurent <span>(2014)</span>
propose, a lesser emphasis on theory in the form of research that are
"theory light" to bring IS out its doldrums? Shirley Gregor will
present in the panel her concerns that such an approach may take the IS field
down a "dangerous path" where theory plays no significant part in
research. Instead, she will explain the need for better theorizing and
epistemological maturity in research practices. Rudy Hirschheim, representing
the IS community, will present his views as an observer of this debate that
need to seriously consider all sides of the argument. The panelists will then
respond to questions and comments from the audience.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The second evening of the workshop will feature a keynote presentation
by Allen Lee titled, "Theory is king. But first, what is theory?"
elaborating on lesser known forms of theory in IS, especially in qualitative
and interpretive research, that may be able address some of the concerns
discussed during the first evening panel. The keynote speech is followed by comments
from Leslie Willcocks and a question and answer session with the audience. Several
short paper presentations from the SIG Philosophy community will close the
program.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Sun, Dec 14, 2014, Room: TBD</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>6:00-7:30pm ICIS
reception</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>7:30-7:40pm
Introduction by Prof. Leslie Willcocks</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>7:40-8:15pm Keynote Presentation
by Profs. David Avison and Julien Malaurent </span>"Is theory king?:
Questioning the theory fetish in Information Systems"<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>8:15-9:30pm Panel
discussion with panelists Prof. Shirley Gregor </span>"Theory – Still king
but needing a revolution!" and Prof. Rudy Hirschheim "Observations
from the Front Line."<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>9:30-10:00pm Open
Discussion</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Mon, Dec 15, 2014, Room: TBD</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>6:00-7:00pm Dinner
[Location TBD]</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>7:30-8:15pm Keynote
Presentation by Prof. Allen Lee, </span>"Theory is king. But first, what
is theory?"<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>8:15-8:45pm Comments
from Prof. Leslie Willcocks and Q&A with audience</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>8:45-10:00pm
Workshop paper reviews</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">List of
papers and discussants to follow</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>10:00pm Workshop
wrap-up</span></p>
<h3>Workshop Paper Reviews</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">We invite you to submit your philosophy-related works, or
works-in-progress to be reviewed by selected discussants. Papers can be as
short as 2 pages or full-length papers. Papers should be designed to encourage
in-depth discussion during the workshop. Submitting authors will present their
papers and discussants will be selected to discuss each paper. We are
particularly interested in papers that are close to the theme of the workshop,
in particular papers that address theories and theorizing in IS. However, we
welcome all papers on any IS philosophy-related topics. This workshop also
provides an early review for authors interested in submitting to the Advance
Theories and Theorizing Track at the ECIS 2015 Conference in Germany. Doctoral
students and junior faculty members are especially encouraged to submit their
research. Student papers will be given special consideration. The SIGPhil can
provide written confirmation for authors needing support for conference travel.
Submit all papers to the EasyChair conference site <a href="https://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=sigphilicis2014" target="_blank">https://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=sigphilicis2014</a>
before midnight, September 12th, 2014, CST.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Important Information
and dates:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Register for ICIS Conference and workshop as early as
possible</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Workshop Registration Fee: $80 includes one dinner</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Submission deadline <a href="https://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=sigphilicis2014" target="_blank">https://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=sigphilicis2014</a>
for workshop papers: September 12th, 2014</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Decision on papers: September 30<sup>th</sup>, 2014</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Discussant for paper appointed: October 15<sup>th</sup>,
2014</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SIGPhil Home Page: <a href="http://sigphil.wordpress.com" target="_blank">http://sigphil.wordpress.com</a></p>
<h3>Background</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Association for Information Systems (AIS) Special Interest
Group on Philosophy in IS (SIGPhil)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The SIGPhil provides a focal point for philosophy-related
topics and discussions in information systems (IS) research that are currently
dispersed over many conference proceedings, journals and books. By drawing on
the philosophical literature, the SIGPhil seeks to strengthen the exchange of
ideas and community ties within the AIS and with other disciplines, especially
the human, cultural and social sciences, and ultimately enhance IS research and
the application of research results. Home page: <a href="http://sigphil.wordpress.com" target="_blank">http://sigphil.wordpress.com</a></p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Avison, D.,
and Malaurent, J. 2014. "Is Theory King?: Questioning the Theory Fetish in
Information Systems," <i>Journal of
Information Technology</i> (doi:10.1057/jit.2014.8), May 6 pp. 1-10.</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Gregor, S. "Theory – Still King but Needing a
Revolution!," <i>Journal of Information
Technology</i> (In Print).</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Gregor, S. 2006. "The Nature of Theory in
Information Systems," <i>MIS Quarterly</i>
(30:3) pp. 611-642.</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Gregor, S., and Jones, D. 2007. "The Anatomy of a
Design Theory," <i>Journal of the AIS</i>
(8:5) pp. 312-335.</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Grover, V. 2012. "The Information Systems Field:
Making a Case for Maturity and Contribution," <i>Journal of the Association for Information Systems</i> (13:4) pp.
254-272.</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Grover, V., Lyytinen, K., and Weber, R. 2012.
"Panel on Native IS Theories," <i>Special
Interest Group on Philosophy and Epistemology in IS (SIGPHIL) Workshop on IS
Theory: State of the Art</i>, Orlando, FL, Dec 16-19.</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Kuechler, W., and Vaishnavi, V. 2012. "A
Framework for Theory Development in Design Science Research: Multiple
Perspectives," <i>Journal of the
Association for Information Systems</i> (13:6) pp. 395-423.</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Mueller, B., Raeth, P., Faraj, S., Kautz, K., Robey,
D., and Schultze, U. 2012. "On the Methodological and Philosophical
Challenges of Sociomaterial Theorizing: An Overview of Competing
Conceptualizations," <i>International
Conference on Information Systems (ICIS 2012), Dec 16-19</i>, Orlando, FL from </span><a href="http://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2012/proceedings/Panels/3/" target="_blank"><span>http://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2012/proceedings/Panels/3/</span></a><span>.</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Mueller, B., and Urbach, N. 2013. "The Why, What,
and How of Theories in IS Research," <i>International
Conference on Information Systems (ICIS 2013), Dec 15-18</i>, Milan, Italy from
</span><a href="http://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2013/proceedings/ResearchMethods/8/" target="_blank"><span>http://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2013/proceedings/ResearchMethods/8/</span></a><span>, pp. 1-25.</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Straub, D. 2012. "Editorial: Does MIS Have Native
Theories," <i>MIS Quarterly</i> (36:2)
pp. iii-xii.</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Truex, D.P., Holmström, J., and Keil, M. 2006.
"Theorizing in Information Systems Research: A Reflexive Analysis of the
Adaptation of Theory in Information Systems Research," <i>Journal of the AIS</i> (7:12) pp. 797-821.</span></p>
<p style="margin-left:0.5in"><span>Weber, R. 2012. "Evaluating and Developing
Theories in the Information Systems Discipline," <i>Journal of the AIS</i> (13:1) pp. 1-30</span><span class="HOEnZb"><font color="#888888"><span><font color="#888888"><span><font color="#888888"><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/nikrushdi/" title="View public profile" name="1483740634e9beeb_14831c36a2975854_147bbe74a32f26f4_SafeHtmlFilter_webProfileURL" target="_blank"></a>
</font></span></font></span></font></span></p></div></div><span><font color="#888888">
</font></span></div><span><font color="#888888"><br></font></span><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/nikrushdi/" title="View public profile" name="1483740634e9beeb_SafeHtmlFilter_webProfileURL" target="_blank"></a></div></div></div></div><br>-- <br>Nik Rushdi Hassan, PhD<br>Assoc. Professor, Finance & MIS Dept.<br>Labovitz School of Business and Economics<br>University of Minnesota Duluth<br>1318 Kirby Drive, LSBE 335Q<br>Duluth MN 55812<br>Office Phone: (218) 726-7453<br>Fax: (218) 726-7516<br>Home Page: <a href="http://www.d.umn.edu/~nhassan" target="_blank">www.d.umn.edu/~nhassan</a><br>Email: <a href="mailto:nhassan@d.umn.edu" target="_blank">nhassan@d.umn.edu</a><br>LinkedIn: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/nikrushdi/" title="View public profile" name="SafeHtmlFilter_webProfileURL" target="_blank">www.linkedin.com/in/nikrushdi/</a>
</div>