Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods for Information Systems

New Perspectives

Research Handbooks in Information Systems

Edited by Robert M. Davison, Department of Information Systems, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

This vital new Handbook clarifies how qualitative research can be undertaken in the discipline of Information Systems (IS), observing how IS can be taught and its recent developments. Through succinctly bringing together influential research, it extensively surveys contemporary trends in qualitative IS studies.

‘This book will raise editors’ and reviewers’ expectations for the execution of research using qualitative methods, it will broaden the application of qualitative methods in information systems research, and it will ease the teaching of the qualitative approach to our beloved grad students. It’s a jewelry box, full of gems.’
– Cynthia Beath, University of Texas at Austin, US

‘This book collects the most recent advances in qualitative research in information systems field and should form a very valuable reference for anyone planning to undertake a qualitative study within the field. Robert Davison has gathered an impressive group of writers that provide a wide array of views and approaches for performing qualitative studies. The future-oriented chapters should be of particular interest for both seasoned researchers and new doctoral students entering the field. I warmly recommend this book for everyone who plans to do qualitative research within information systems.’
– Matti Rossi, Aalto University School of Business, Finland

‘This Handbook, with chapters written by the most influential qualitative Information Systems scholars, provides a much-needed overview of qualitative research methods in the field of Information Systems. Some of the methods outlined and discussed in the book are well-established and widely practiced, others are methodological advances suitable for researching emerging digital phenomena. The book provides guidance on how to practice and how to teach qualitative research methods. Importantly, it explores their ontological and epistemological underpinnings and cultivates theory development capabilities. This Handbook is an excellent resource for practicing researchers, and it should be recommended reading in PhD programmes.’
– Chrisanthi Avgerou, London School of Economics, UK

‘This book is a treasure. Davison and his contributors have provided insights into qualitative research methods and the latest trends. They have written the definitive primer on how to conduct qualitative research. This is a book, not only to be read, but also to be subjected to deep reflection and application.’
– Shan Pan, University of New South Wales, Australia