Introduction

Information systems (IS) researchers have gradually moved from the traditional of following the interpretivist approach to a more rigour-oriented, dynamic approach by applying sociotechnical theories as lenses for data analysis. This has been of significant value, as it makes it less challenging in justifying the rigour of qualitative research in IS. In over two decades, two things have been achieved and are well documented in literature: (1) the theories are well described and explained, including critique and support; and (2) the theories have been well embraced and are increasingly being applied in IS studies. Despite these efforts, a fundamental gap exists, which is the way theories can be applied in IS studies. This is primarily the aspect that is found to be challenging and pushes some researchers, including postgraduates, away from the complexity of using the theories. This book provides a guide for each of the theories it focuses on: activity theory (AT), actor-network theory (ANT), contingency theory (CT), the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, structuration theory (ST), and the technology acceptance model (TAM).