Context-specific theorizing in ICT4D research (original) (raw)
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ArXiv, 2021
There have been repeated calls made for theory-building studies in ICT4D research to solidify the existence of this research field. However, theory-building studies are not yet common, even though ICT4D as a research domain is a promising venue to develop native and indigenous theories. To this end, this paper outlines a theorybuilding study in ICT4D, based on the author's experience in developing a mid-range theory called 'Cultivating-Sustainability' of E-government projects, a native mid-range theory of ICT4D. The paper synthesizes the GTM literature and provides a step-by-step illustration of GTM use in practice for research students and early career ICT4D academics. It introduces the key strategies and principles of GTM, such as the theoretical sampling strategy, the constant comparison strategy, the concept-emergent principle, and the use of literature throughout the study process. Then discusses the steps involved in the data collection and analysis process to deve...
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A holistic perspective on the theoretical foundations for ICT4D research
Information Technology for Development, 2018
While many theories have guided research Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), we are yet to construct a clear and coherent narrative that would help us answer the question of how ICT fosters development in underdeveloped communities. In this paper, we argue that one of the main reasons for this is that our holistic understanding of ICT4D is seldom grounded in theories to understand the core areas that define the field, namely, ICT, Development, and, '4' which are the transformative processes that link the two. Through a brief literature review, we list theories that have informed ICT4D research in each of these areas. We present examples of theories, namely, Capability Approach, Affordances, and Actor-Network Theory together with Social Capital and illustrate how we have used them in our research. Building on this holistic perspective on theoretical foundation, we propose five agendas for ICT4D research.
Persistent themes in ICT4D Research: priorities for inter-methodological exchange
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“Information and communication technologies for development”(ICT4D) is the name given to a range of activity which considers how electronic technologies can be used towards socio-economic development of developing communities worldwide. Typical technologies considered in ICT4D include PCs, the Internet, and mobile phones, and the domains of application are as broad as global development itself: public health, education, agriculture, microfinance, sanitation, political activism, and so on.
Conceptualizing development in information and communication technology for development (ICT4D)
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ICT4D research is faced with the challenge of rapidly changing technologies and increasingly complex social dynamics and development processes. We argue that ICT4D research requires a more acute sense of where our research is situated within a broader picture of development, e.g. with a better understanding of development processes, their ideological nature, the power structures and driving forces, and the mechanisms through which ICTs may be embedded in and shape these processes. Such a reflexivity is crucial not least in justifying our claims of contribution, but also in understanding the implications and potential impact of our research and practice. This editorial seeks to explore key conceptual components in ICT4D and their relationships, including dimensions of development, perspectives of development, conceptions of artefacts, and theory of change. A tentative conceptual schema is presented that connects these conceptual components.