A Systematic Framework for Multilevel Theorizing in Information Systems Research

Meng Zhang () and Guy G. Gable ()
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Meng Zhang: Information Systems School, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Guy G. Gable: Information Systems School, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia

Information Systems Research, 2017, vol. 28, issue 2, 203-224

Abstract: Information systems (IS) research usually investigates phenomena at one level of analysis at a time. However, complex IS phenomena may be difficult to address from such a single-level perspective. A multilevel perspective offers an alternative means to examine phenomena by simultaneously accounting for multiple levels of analysis. Although useful guidelines for theory development are widely available, they give little specific attention to developing theory that is conceptualized and analyzed at multiple levels. Multilevel theorizing or developing theory from a multilevel perspective is more complex and involves unique challenges. To promote multilevel theorizing in the IS discipline, we focus on addressing challenges involved in multilevel theorizing and propose a holistic framework for systematically developing theory from a multilevel perspective. Drawing from the organization science and IS literature, the proposed framework harmonizes and synthesizes previous guidelines, providing a practical basis for conceptualizing and studying multilevel phenomena.

Keywords: multilevel theory; multilevel research perspective; multilevel theorizing; multilevel perspective; multilevel paradigm; level of analysis; theory building; research methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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