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This
paper provides guidance and an example for carrying out research using an
interpretive framework to build theory of IS practice. The paper provides
an example of (a) developing a theoretical framework, (b) how to choose an
appropriate research method, (c) particulars of data collection and
analysis, and (d) appropriate evaluative criteria applicable to
interpretive research. The research example is a study of decision-making
by owner-managers of small firms in the IT industry in Australia. The aim
of the study (1) was directed toward exploring and describing the decision
making process of owner/managers regarding their participation with
on-the-job training schemes for the first time; and (2) to develop process
theory explaining their participation. While structured as a typical
research paper, this paper is different in that the focus is on describing
the research process, conceptual issues and the research methods used
rather than the findings. This format is important for two reasons: (1)
unlike positivist research, there is no accepted general model for
communicating interpretive research. (2) Similarly, few guidelines exist
for conducting the inductive process central to interpretive research.
Throughout the paper, issues relating to the choice and application of the
methods in terms of conducting inductive research are discussed. Given the
practical importance of interpretive research in information systems it is
argued that documenting the decisions about the research process may be
particularly valuable to researchers in the information systems community.
Keywords:
Interpretive perspective, case study, grounded theory, qualitative
research
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