Skip to main content

Generating Data for Research on Emerging Technologies

An Action Learning Approach

  • Chapter
  • 1670 Accesses

Part of the book series: Integrated Series in Information Systems ((ISIS,volume 13))

Abstract

One of the difficulties of conducting applied qualitative research on the applications of emerging technologies is finding available sources of relevant data for analysis. Because the adoption of emerging technologies is, by definition, new in many organisations, there is often a lack of experienced practitioners who have relevant background and are willing to provide useful information for the study. Therefore, it is necessary to design research approaches that can generate accessible and relevant data. This chapter begins with a description of action learning and its application to the training of e-facilitators. It will also explain the differences between action learning and action research. The chapter will then describe two case studies in which the researchers used an action learning approach to study the nature of e-facilitation for face-to-face and for distributed electronic meetings. Finally, the chapter describes some lessons learned for both practitioners and researchers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Anson, R. (1990). Effects of Computer Support and Facilitator Support on Group Processes and Outcomes: An Experimental Assessment. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Indiana University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Avison, D. (1989). Action Learning for Information Systems Teaching. International Journal of Information Management. 9, 41–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baskerville, R., & Pries-Heje, J. (1999). Grounded action research: a method for understanding IT in practice. Accounting Management and Information Technologies. 9, 1–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benbasat, I. & Lim, L. (1993). The Effects of Groups, Task, Context, and Technology Variables on the Usefulness of Group Support Systems: A Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies. Small Group Research. 24(4), 430–462.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bostrom, R., Clawson, V., and Anson, R. (1991). Training People to Facilitate Electronic Environments. Working Paper, Department of Management, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boud, D. (1993). Experience as a Base for Learning. Higher Education Research and Development. 12(1), 33–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cunningham, J. (1993). Action Research and Organizational Development. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davison, R.M., Martinsons, M.G. and Kock, N. (2004). Principles of Canonical Action Research, Information Systems Journal. 14(1), 65–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dennis, A.R. and Gallupe, R.B. (1993). GSS Past, Present, and Future. Jessup, L. and Valacich, eds. Group Support Systems: New Perspectives. New York: Macmillan:, 59–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeSanctis, G. and Poole, S. (1994). Capturing the Complexity in Advanced Technology Use: Adaptive Structuration Theory. Organization Science. 5(2), 121–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duarte, N., and Tennant-Snyder, N. (1999). Mastering Virtual Teams: Strategies, Tools, and Techniques that Succeed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fjermestad, J., and Hiltz, S.R. (1999). An assessment of group support systems experiment research: methodology and results. Journal of Management Information Systems. 15(3), 7–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, P. (1989). Upstream Facilitation: A Proactive Approach to Managing Problem-Solving Groups. Management Communications Quarterly. 3(1), 33–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glaser, B., & Strauss, A.L. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. New York: Aldine De Gruyter.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glesne, C. and Peshkin, A. (1992). Becoming Qualitative Researchers: An Introduction. White Plains, N.Y: Longman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gopal, A., & Prasad, P. (2000). Understanding GDSS in symbolic context: shifting the focus from technology to interaction. MIS Quarterly. 24(3), 509–545.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gregory, M. (1994). Accrediting Work-Based Learning: Action Learning-A Model For Empowerment. Journal of Management Development. 13(4), 41–52.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Kayworth, T.R. and Leidner, D.E. (2001). Leadership effectiveness in global virtual teams. Journal of Management Information Systems. 18(3), 7–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jessup, L. and Egbert, J. (1995). Active Learning in Business Education With, Through, and About Technology. Journal of Information Systems Education. 7(3), 108–112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kock, N., McQueen, R. and Scott, J. (1997). Can Action Research be Made More Rigorous in a Positivist Sense? The Contribution of an Iterative Approach. Journal of Systems and Information Technology. 1(1), 1–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lau, F. (1997). A Review on the Use of Action Research in Information Systems Studies. Lee, A.S., Liebenau, J. and J.I. DeGross, J. I. eds. Information Systems and Qualitative Research. London: Chapman and Hall, 31–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lofland, J. & Lofland, L. (1995). Analyzing Social Settings; A Guide to Qualitative Observation and Analysis. Belmont, California: Wadsworth Pub.

    Google Scholar 

  • Margerison, C. (1988). Action learning and excellence in management development.” Journal of Management Development. 7(5): 43–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marquardt, M. (1999). Action Learning in Action. Palo Alto, California: Davis-Black Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsick, V. and O’Neil, J. (1999). The Many Faces of Action Learning. Management Learning. 30(2), 159–176.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nunamaker, J.F. Jr., Briggs, R.O. and Mittleman, D.D. (1996). Lessons from a Decade of Group Support Systems Research. The Proceedings of the 29th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 418–427.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orlikowski, W. (1992). The Duality of Technology: Rethinking the Concept of Technology in Organization. Organization Science. 3(3), 398–427.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pauleen, D. (2001). A Grounded Theory of Virtual Facilitation: Building Relationships with Virtual Team Members. Unpublished doctoral thesis. Wellington, New Zealand: Victoria University of Wellington.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pauleen, D. (2003). Leadership in a Global Virtual Team: An Action Learning Approach. Leadership and Organizational Development Journal. 24(3), 153–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pauleen, D. (2003–4). An Inductively Derived Model of Leader-Initiated Relationship Building with Virtual Team Members. Journal of Management Information Systems 4,(3), 227–256.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramirez, R. (1983). Action Learning: A Strategic Approach for Organizations Facing Turbulent Conditions. Human Relations, 36(8), 725–742.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Revans, R. (1982). The Origins and Growth of Action Learning. Bromley: Chartwell-Bratt.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strauss, A. L., and Corbin, J (1990). Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques. Newbury Park: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trauth, E. M., and Jessup, L.M. (2000). Understanding computer-mediated discussions: positivist and interpretative analysis of group support system use. MIS Quarterly. 24(1), 43–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoong, P., and Gallupe, B. (2001). Action learning and groupware technologies: a case study in GSS facilitation research. Information Technology and People. 14(1), 78–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoong, P. (1998). Training Facilitators for Face-to-Face Electronic Meetings: An Experiential Learning Approach. Journal of Informing Science. 1(2), 31–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoong, P. (1996). A Grounded Theory of Reflective Facilitation: Making The Transition From Traditional To GSS Facilitation. Unpublished doctoral thesis. Wellington, New Zealand: Victoria University of Wellington.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoong, P. (1999). Making Sense of GSS Facilitation: A Reflective Practice Perspective. Journal of Information Technology and People. 12(1), 86–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zuber-Skerritt, O. (1991). Professional Development in Higher Education: A Theoretical Framework for Action Research. Brisbane: Griffith University.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Yoong, P., Pauleen, D., Gallupe, B. (2007). Generating Data for Research on Emerging Technologies. In: Kock, N. (eds) Information Systems Action Research. Integrated Series in Information Systems, vol 13. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-36060-7_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics