Title
Sociomateriality and IS Identity
Date of this Version
11-30-2011
Document Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Challenges to identifying the information systems (IS) field originate within the community, from external institutional forces, from the change in technology, from the emergence of new phenomena, and finally, from the changing understanding of what a “field” or “discipline” entails. In this study we trace the historiography of the IS field to illustrate sources of confusion arising from deeply held assumptions regarding the formation and legitimacy of IS identity. By introducing the identity of IS as a “human science” as opposed to that of a natural science, we illuminate an interstitial gap in knowledge which IS inhabits. To address this gap, we posit sociomateriality as a perspective that offers IS a distinct identity as an academically and socially relevant field by uncovering and enabling research into the entanglement of humans, information, and technologies.
This document has been peer reviewed.

Publication Details
Published Version.
Hassan, N. R., & Hovorka, D. S. (2011). Sociomateriality and IS identity. Paper presented at ACIS 2011: 22nd Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Sydney, Australia.
Access the conference website.
2011 HERDC submission. FoR code: 080611
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