Discovering Actor-Network Theory: a Personal Research Journey (original) (raw)

Actor-network theory in information systems research

Introduction. The use of actor-network theory is becoming increasingly common amongst information systems researchers. This study argues that the utility of actor-network theory as a conceptual tool for information systems research can be increased by expressing actor-network theory in a graphical format. To this end, a graphical syntax was designed based on a comprehensive conceptualisation of actor-network theory. Method. Design science research was used to produce an artefact (the graphical syntax) which is believed to be of practical use (relevant), innovative and based on a rigorous body of knowledge. Analysis. The graphical syntax is illustrated in this paper only by means of a fictitious example in order to maintain focus on the syntax and the concepts depicted by the syntax. Results. The strengths and weaknesses of the syntax are related to those of actor-network theory itself. The principal strength is the inclusion of heterogeneous actors in the analysis, and the main weakness relates to the vague boundaries of the theory. This weakness is addressed by the ability of the syntax to identify the primary research foci. Conclusions. It is proposed that actor-network theory can be successfully represented by a graphical syntax and that it can increase the utility of actor-network theory as a conceptual tool for information systems research.

Lost in Translation? Actor-Network Theory and Organisation Studies

2010

Actor network theory (ANT) has influenced other intellectual traditions in general, and more recently management,and organisation studies (MOS) in particular. Few studies have explored the nature and extent of such “translation”. Based on our analysis of 17 top-tier journal publications, the paper identifies four translation strategies and discusses implications for inter-domain transfer of concepts. Keywords: actor network theory, management

Actor Network Theory and IS Research

IGI Global eBooks, 2011

Actor network theory is a sociological theory that emerged as a useful vehicle to study technology and information systems. This chapter gives the reader some background about the development and emergence of this sociological theory. It reviews some of the premises of the theory and introduces the reader to key concepts and ideas. It also presents some of the critique of the theory, ANT authors' response, and the implication on IS research. This chapter also gives the reader an overview of the application of ANT in different streams of IS research.

Actor Network Theory in Interpretative Research Approach

IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, 2013

The main components of information systems include people, process and technology infrastructure. In many studies, these components are often viewed and examined from socio-technical perspectives. This is primarily because of the criticality of human actions. The complexities and the difference which humans bring in the development and implementation of information systems are not getting easier. Hence the increase studies in the field of information systems. Many approaches such as using the lens of Actor Network Theory (ANT) has been explored to understand the socio-technical factors in the information systems. Although ANT has been employed in many studies, it is of significant important to establishes and clarifies the factors, from the social perspective, which influences the development and implementation of information systems in organisations.

Actor-Network Theory

Advances in Human and Social Aspects of Technology, 2014

Public sector institutions continue to significantly invest in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a solution for many of their service provision challenges, for example, greater efficiency and quality of services. However, what has come to light is that there is a lack of research on understanding the contributory value or “success” of technological innovations. This chapter introduces a socio-technical view of public service innovation. The aim of this research is to extend on the notion of bureaucracy, which is traditionally focused on the politics of office environments. This socio-technical view extends this traditional view to include the politics of service networks, particularly within IT-enabled public service innovation. The chapter focuses on how service innovation is exploited to align specific interests through the process of translation and shifts the focus from value co-creation to value co-enactment. In essence, this chapter explains how public service ...

Chapter XXIII Actor Network Theory and IS Research

2009

Actor network theory is a sociological theory that emerged as a useful vehicle to study technology and information systems. This chapter gives the reader some background about the development and emergence of this sociological theory. It reviews some of the premises of the theory and introduces the reader to key concepts and ideas. It also presents some of the critique of the theory, ANT authors’ response, and the implication on IS research. This chapter also gives the reader an overview of the application of ANT in different streams of IS research.

Information Systems and Actor-Network Theory Analysis

International Journal of Actor-Network Theory and Technological Innovation, 2013

Evidently, based on studies which have been conducted over the years, there exist lots more complexity than technical in the development and implementation of information systems in organisations. The complex issues are socio-technical in nature, which require a refresh examination, from social context, if different results are to be achieved. Some of the complexities which are encountered include operational issues, environmental trends, processes flow, communicative scheme, and actors’ relationship. The unpredictable nature of business and rapidly changing user requirements makes it even more difficult to develop and implement systems within budget and timeframe. Other challenges are within the social context, such as politics and culture affiliations. Through the lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) understanding of the social context of how information systems are developed and implemented is gained. Although ANT has been employed in many studies, it is of significant important to...

An Actor-Network Theory Approach

2015

Service comprise of socio-technical (human and technological) factors which exchange various resources and competencies. Service networks are used to transfer resources and competencies, yet they remain an underexplored and ‘invisible’ infrastructure. Service networks become increasingly complex when technology is implemented to execute specific service processes. This ultimately adds to the complexity of a service environment, making it one of the most difficult environments to examine and manage. In addition, although the emerging paradigm of ‘Service Science’ calls for more theoretical focus on understanding complex service systems, few efforts have surfaced which apply a new theoretical lens on understanding the underlying trajectories of socio-technical dynamics within a service system. This paper presents a literature review on Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and discusses how it may be employed to examine the socio-technical nature of service networks. ANT offers a rich vocabulary...

Actor-network theory and IS research: current status and future prospects

… Systems and Qualitative Research: Proceedings of …, 1997

An increasing interest is being shown, not least by IS researchers, in the socio-technical approach known as actor-network theory. The purpose of this paper is to assess the current and potential future contribution of the theory to IS research. A brief review of key concepts of the theory is given, some IS literature which uses the theory is described, and significant criticisms of the theory are examined in some detail. Finally, implications are drawn on the potential value of the theory for IS research in the future, with the broad conclusion being that it has much to offer in both theoretical and methodological terms. A. S. Lee et al. (eds.), Information Systems and Qualitative Research

History and IS – Broadening Our View and Understanding: Actor–Network Theory as a Methodology

Journal of Information Technology, 2013

The call for historical research In IS, mirrored In other fields of business studies, Is an explicit recognition of the predominance of presentism in business research; the use of the past only to justify and validate current beliefs or inserting modern beliefs onto the past, rather than using the past to understand and reveal current assumptions and biases. There is freedom in severing time and centering ourselves and our artifacts (computer technology), looking to improve the future unburdened by the past. Yet, if that assumption is wrong, and the present is instead fluid and unstable because the past embedded in the present is tension filled and unresolved, this raises fundamental challenges to the work that we do, the value of that work to others, and is cause for reflection on our impact as educators. This paper demonstrates the merits of using Actor-Network Theory as a methodology for historical IS research, through its use in a Canadian case study. The study was prompted by t...