Addis Ababa University

College of Natural and Computational Science

Department of Information Systems

Article review
Topic: Information Systems as a Reference Discipline
Individual assignment one

Name: Bereket Tamirat--------GSR/0935/16

Instructor: Getachew Hailemariam (Ph.D.)

Date: Oct 30,2023

Introduction
The field of Information Systems (IS) has evolved significantly, establishing its own research
tradition, subject matter, and communication system. However, there has been a conventional
belief that IS is an applied discipline that draws upon other reference disciplines. In the article
"Information Systems as a Reference Discipline" by Baskerville and Myers, the authors
challenge this notion and argue that IS has its own unique contributions and can serve as a
reference discipline for other fields. This article explores the distinctiveness of IS, the potential
for collaboration with other disciplines, and the importance of leadership in transforming the
research agenda of IS scholars.

The key messages of the article

1. The article challenges the traditional view of IS as an applied discipline.
2. Information Systems (IS) has developed its own research tradition and can serve as a
reference discipline for other fields.
3. IS research has its own distinct subject matter, research perspective, and communication
system.
4. IS research is of interest not only to IS researchers and practitioners but also to
researchers and practitioners in other fields.
5. IS research should be more widely accessible and collaborate with other disciplines.
6. Strategies such as publishing in journals of other disciplines and bundling journal
subscriptions can help broaden the audience for IS research.
7. Leadership is important in transforming the research agenda of IS scholars to be more
relevant and useful to scholars in other fields.
8. The IS discipline is well-positioned for this transition and can reinvent and transform
itself with strong leadership.

Main Findings or Contributions for Information Science and

Systems
IS Has Developed a Unique Research Tradition and Perspective: The article highlights that
Information Systems (IS) has evolved into a mature academic discipline with its own research
traditions and a distinct perspective. This finding underscores the independence and maturity of
the IS field.
IS Is No Longer Solely an Importer of Knowledge from Other Disciplines: The article
challenges the traditional notion of IS as primarily an applied discipline that borrows from
reference disciplines. It asserts that IS has developed its own body of knowledge and research
methodologies.
IS Possesses Its Own Academic Infrastructure, Including Journals and Conferences: The
article emphasizes that IS has established a well-developed academic infrastructure, such as the
existence of respected journals like MIS Quarterly and major international conferences like ICIS.
This infrastructure demonstrates the disciplinary maturity of IS.

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Information Technology's Ubiquity Makes IS Research Relevant to Many Fields: The
authors argue that the widespread use of information technology and systems in various sectors
of society, including business, healthcare, and education, positions IS research as relevant and
valuable to a wide range of academic fields.
Encourages Collaboration Between IS Scholars and Researchers from Other Disciplines:
The article advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, suggesting that IS scholars should
explore opportunities to work with researchers from diverse fields, such as medical informatics
or electronic commerce, to exploit the intersections between disciplines.
Calls for a Broader Audience Beyond Traditional IS Constituencies: The authors propose
that IS researchers should target a wider audience, expanding beyond their traditional audience,
which includes IS researchers and practitioners. This broader audience may include scholars
from various disciplines concerned with information technology and systems.
Suggests IS Can Take a Leadership Role Within the Academic Community: The article
suggests that IS scholars can assume leadership roles within the academic community that
focuses on information technology and systems. This leadership entails contributing to and
influencing research in other academic fields.
Promotes a Multidirectional Model of Knowledge Exchange in Interdisciplinary Networks:
Instead of the traditional unidirectional model where IS imports knowledge from reference
disciplines, the article promotes a multidirectional model. IS scholars, along with scholars from
other fields, are viewed as part of many knowledge-creation networks, emphasizing the
importance of collaboration and exchange between disciplines.

Conclusion and reflation

In conclusion, this article challenges the traditional paradigm of Information Systems and calls
for a reevaluation of its role in academia. It emphasizes that IS has evolved into a mature
discipline, urging it to transition from being a knowledge consumer to a knowledge provider by
becoming a reference discipline. This shift encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, broader
audiences, and leadership within the academic community. It prompts IS scholars to engage in a
more influential and expansive role, shaping the future of research in information technology and
systems across diverse fields. This article sparks crucial reflection on the changing dynamics of
IS and its potential to influence and contribute to broader academic discourse.

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