Intro
Contents
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
List of Tables
1: Introduction: Why Theory? (Mis)Understanding the Context and Rationale
Prelude
What Is Theory?
Theory from the IS Field
Theory from the Management Field
Theory from the Social Sciences
A Novel View of Theory
Ten Semantic Forms of Theory (What Theory Means)
The Need for Theories
Intimations of What Is to Come
Conclusion
References
2: Theoretical, Empirical, and Artefactual Contributions in Information Systems Research: Implications Implied*
Introduction

Research Actors and Practices
Contributions and Implications
Contributions
Research Implications
Conclusion
References
3: Theoretical Diversity in IS Research: A Causal Structure Framework*
Introduction
Three Core Aspects of Causality
Dimension I: Causal Ontology
Position I.A: Directional Association
Philosophical or Social Theoretic Foundations
An Example from IS Research Literature
Position I.B: Causal Mechanism
Philosophical or Social Theoretic Foundations
An Example from IS Research Literature
Position I.C: Constitutive Causality

Philosophical or Social Theoretic Foundations
Examples from IS Research Literature
Additional Observations about Causal Ontology Positions
Dimension II: Causal Trajectory
Position II. A: Cross-Boundary Change
Philosophical or Social Theoretic Foundations
Examples from IS Research Literature
Position II. B: Indwelling Change
Philosophical or Social Theoretic Foundations
An Example from IS Research Literature
Position II. C: Evolving Interlinkage
Philosophical or Social Theoretic Foundations
An Example from IS Research Literature

Additional Observations about Causal Trajectory Positions
Dimension III: Causal Autonomy
Position III. A: Human Sovereignty
Philosophical or Social Theoretic Foundations
Examples from IS Research Literature
Position III. B: Technology Autonomy
Philosophical or Social Theoretic Foundations
Examples from IS Research Literature
Position III. C: Relational Synergy
Philosophical or Social Theoretic Foundations
An Example from IS Research Literature
Additional Observations about Causal Autonomy Positions
Discussion
Promoting Theoretical Diversity

Using the Framework for Synthesis, Theory Building, and Research Design
Synthesis
Theory building
Research Design
Conclusion
References
4: Theory Building: Neither an Art nor a Science, But a Craft*
Introduction
Model of the Theory-Building Process
Iteration 1: Activities-Read, Reflect, Write-Ion: Erudition
Iteration 2: Activities-Read, Reflect, Write- Ion: Motivation
Iteration 3: Activities-Read, Reflect, Write-Ion: Definition
Iteration 4: Activities-Research, Read, Reflect, Write-Ion: Imagination