Using a multi‐disciplinary research team to carry out research in IS

Abstract

The use of a multi‐disciplinary research team can often enhance the investigation of IS phenomena ‐ particularly when the construct under study is multi‐dimensional. This paper explores the challenges and benefits of carrying out IS research with a multi‐disciplinary team. By way of illustration a study is described which purposefully pulled together researchers from different (but related) disciplines to carry out an IS research project. The challenges confronting the team included miscommunication, initial disagreement concerning research constructs, and the amount of time required for meetings. The benefits far outweighed the difficulties. Benefits accrued to the study itself and to the research participants. The study was more holistic and included better construct definition. The participating researchers benefited from critically examining their own views and outlooks whilst being exposed to viewpoints from other disciplines.

Citation

Cavaye, A.L.M. (1998), "Using a multi‐disciplinary research team to carry out research in IS", Journal of Systems and Information Technology, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 19-35. https://doi.org/10.1108/13287269880000737