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Conducting Information Systems Research Using Narrative Inquiry

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Information Systems Theory

Part of the book series: Integrated Series in Information Systems ((ISIS,volume 29))

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Abstract

This chapter places Narrative Inquiry in the theoretical context of Grounded Theory. To begin, Grounded Theory is explained along with the concept of Grounded Theory Method, which employs the constant comparison of data obtained through qualitative interviews. Then Narrative Inquiry, within this ­context, is introduced and explained. The discussion leads to the necessity to adopt an interview technique within the Narrative Inquiry approach to gather interview data. Thus, a more specific technique is described known as the Long Interview Technique. This technique further requires the development of an interview guide specifically related to an individual project. This guide is referred to as an interview protocol. While the interview protocol must be developed to allow flexibility within the interview and reduce researcher bias, it must also support a consistent approach to conducting a number of interviews to gather data related to the research question. This overall approach is related to conducting research in general and more specifically information systems research. Recent information systems research investigations are presented.

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Abbreviations

CIO:

Chief Information Officer

CEO:

Chief Executive Officer

CTO:

Chief Technology Officer

IS:

Information Systems

HRM:

Human Resource Management

URL:

Universal Resource Locator

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada

    M. Gordon Hunter (Professor Information Systems, Faculty of Management)

Authors
  1. M. Gordon Hunter
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Gordon Hunter .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , School of Business and Economics, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom

    Yogesh K. Dwivedi

  2. IMD, Ch. de Bellerive 23, Lausanne, 1001, Switzerland

    Michael R. Wade

  3. Principia College, Maybeck Place 1, Elsah, 62028, Illinois, USA

    Scott L. Schneberger

Appendices

Information Systems and Small Business

17.1.1 Interview Protocol

figure afigure afigure a

The focus is now on IS

  • How would you define Information Systems (IS)?

  • How does your company use IS to enhance your business?

  • Specifically, what are the top 3 uses of IS in your firm?

  • How are decisions made to add new IS? What was the last IS addition? Why?

  • Do you have an IS strategic plan? Can you expand on the plan? (Can we have a copy?)

  • Is IS delivering on expectations? (Are you satisfied with your company’s IS?) In what ways? In what ways is it failing to deliver?

  • What IS addition has had the most impact on your organization? The least?

  • What is your biggest constraint in achieving your desired IS objectives?

  • What information do you need most urgently in your business?

  • Has IS helped your organization in the decision-making process? Expand.

  • Has IS helped your organization be more innovative? Expand.

  • Has IS helped your organization in – Marketing and Selling; Financial; Manufacturing, Accounting; HRM; Supply Chain; etc.?

  • Do you have any questions of us?

The Changing Role of Chief Information Officers

17.2.1 Interview Protocol

Part A

  1. 1.

    Personal History

    1. (a)

      Where were you born?

    2. (b)

      Where did you grow up?

    3. (c)

      Are you married?

    4. (d)

      Any children?

    5. (e)

      Please relate a personal interest story.

  2. 2.

    Family History

    1. (a)

      Parents

    2. (b)

      Siblings

    3. (c)

      Where you lived

  3. 3.

    Education

    1. (a)

      Where and when did you go to elementary school, high school, and university?

  4. 4.

    Previous Work Experience

    1. (a)

      What companies have you worked for?

    2. (b)

      What positions have you held at these companies?

    3. (c)

      What were the highlights as far as tasks performed and major accomplishments?

Part B

  1. 5. 

    Current Position

    1. (a)

      Company background

      1.  i.

        What is the industry?

      2.  ii.

        When was the company formed?

      3. iii.

        What is the company’s industry relationship (market share)?

      4. iv.

        What is the company Mission?

      5.  v.

        Are there any unique aspects to the company that you find interesting?

      6. vi.

        What is the URL for your Web site?

    2. (b)

      Why did you accept your current position?

    3. (c)

      What issues initially required your attention?

      1.  i.

        Describe the issue.

      2.  ii.

        Discuss what you did.

      3. iii.

        Discuss the final result.

    4. (d)

      What issues are you currently addressing?

      1.  i.

        Describe the issue

      2.  ii.

        Discuss the status and anticipated outcome.

    5. (e)

      What issues do you foresee addressing or requiring your attention in the future?

      1.  i.

        Describe.

      2.  ii.

        How do you plan to address the issue?

      3. iii.

        What is the anticipated outcome?

Part C

  1. 6.

    Pick a week and tell me what you did

    1. (a)

      Describe the task

    2. (b)

      Indicate the number of hours you spend doing the task

    3. (c)

      Was there something that you did not do that week that you normally would?

  2. 7.

    Dealing with Users.

    1. (a)

      How do you determine what your users want/require?

    2. (b)

      How do you know that you have responded to what your users want/require?

    3. (c)

      How do you know that you have delivered what your users want/require?

  3. 8.

    How do you decide on investments in:

    1. (a)

      Hardware?

    2. (b)

      Software?

    3. (c)

      People?

    4. (d)

      Tools?

    5. (e)

      Techniques and methods?

  4. 9.

    General comments about CIOs and their emerging and evolving roles.

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Hunter, M.G. (2012). Conducting Information Systems Research Using Narrative Inquiry. In: Dwivedi, Y., Wade, M., Schneberger, S. (eds) Information Systems Theory. Integrated Series in Information Systems, vol 29. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9707-4_17

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