An IS Theory of Reciprocal Change

Abstract

This paper proposes an IS theory of reciprocal change. The research problem addressed in the paper is the absence of an IS theory that explains the reciprocity of change within IS. The questions that the paper answers is, what composition of constructs and their interrelationships are paramount for an IS theory of reciprocal change? And, what are possible conceptual contributions of an IS theory of reciprocal change with reference to past research? This paper is appropriately conceptual in nature and based on the academic literature. For practitioners, the proposed IS theory of reciprocal change is simple enough to be understandable yet comprehensive enough to benefit the analysis, application, and design of many IS. For researchers, the proposed IS theory of reciprocal change provides an initial basis for explaining and predicting the reciprocity of change within IS. In addition, the paper presents a process, based on the literature, for informing theory development and clarifying constructs.