Universität zu Köln

Recker, Jan C. ORCID: 0000-0002-2072-5792, Indulska, Marta, Green, Peter, Burton-Jones, Andrew and Weber, Ron (2019). Information Systems as Representations: A Review of the Theory and Evidence. Journal of the Association for Information Systems : JAIS, 20 (6). pp. 735-786. AIS. ISSN 1536-9323

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Abstract

Abstract Representation Theory proposes that the basic purpose of an information system (IS) is to faithfully represent certain real-world phenomena, allowing users to reason about these phenomena more cost-effectively than if they were observed directly. Over the past three decades, the theory has underpinned much research on conceptual modeling in IS analysis and design and increasingly research on other IS phenomena such as data quality, system alignment, IS security, and system use. The original theory has also inspired further development of its core premises and advances in methodological guidelines to improve its use and evaluation. Nonetheless, the theory has attracted repeated criticisms regarding its validity, relevance, usefulness, and robustness. Given the burgeoning literature on the theory over time, both positive and negative, the time is ripe for a narrative, developmental review. We review Representation Theory, examine how it has been used, and critically evaluate its contributions and limitations. Based on our findings, we articulate a set of recommendations for improving its application, development, testing, and evaluation.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Recker, Jan C. UNSPECIFIED orcid.org/0000-0002-2072-5792 UNSPECIFIED Indulska, Marta UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Green, Peter UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Burton-Jones, Andrew UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Weber, Ron UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-98771
DOI:	10.17705/1jais.00550
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of the Association for Information Systems : JAIS
Volume:	20
Number:	6
Page Range:	pp. 735-786
Date:	2019
Publisher:	AIS
ISSN:	1536-9323
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Management, Economy and Social Sciences
Divisions:	Weitere Institute, Arbeits- und Forschungsgruppen > Cologne Institute for Information Systems (CIIS) Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences > Business Administration > Information Systems > Chair for Information Systems and Systems Development
Subjects:	Data processing Computer science Management and auxiliary services
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/9877