Research Commentary: Diversity in Information Systems Research: Threat, Promise, and Responsibility

Abstract

This paper confirms the evidence of diversity in information systems (IS) research and identifies the ways in which diversity both threatens and advances the field of IS. While advocating diversity within the field of IS, the paper also discusses the responsibilities that must be assumed by IS researchers. Responsibilities include a “disciplined methodological pluralism” (Landry and Banville [Landry, M., C. Banville. 1992. A disciplined methodological pluralism for MIS research. Accounting, Management and Inform. Technologies 2(2, April–June) 77–97.) in which researchers clearly justify their research aims, theories, and methods. Responsibilities also include researchers’ commitment to collaborative ideals.