Indigenous philosophical approaches for IS theorization

Thu Nov 28 08:30:05 EST 2024

Hi,

You are invited to submit a paper to this minitrack on Indigenous philosophical approaches for IS theorization to a minitrack. The minitrack forms part of the SIG Philosophy track: Engaging with Theories for Understanding Intelligent Technologies for a Better Future (SIG PHIL).

You are also welcome to disseminate this invitation on your networks.

The information about the minitrack will be uploaded on the AMCIS 2025 website (https://amcis2025.aisconferences.org/<https://amcis2025.aisconferences.org>). The paper submission site will be opened in the second week of January 2025.

Pitso Tsibolane , Jan Kroeze, and John Oredo

CALL FOR PAPERS

Indigenous philosophical approaches for IS theorization

AIS SIG Philosophy – Minitrack, AMCIS 2025, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Co-chairs:

  *   Prof Jan Kroeze – jan.kroeze at gmail.com<mailto:jan.kroeze at gmail.com> / kroezjh at unisa.ac.za<mailto:kroezjh at unisa.ac.za>
  *   Mr Pitso Tsibolane – pitso.tsibolane at uct.ac.za<mailto:pitso.tsibolane at uct.ac.za>
  *   Dr John Otieno Oredo – john.oredo at uonbi.ac.ke<mailto:john.oredo at uonbi.ac.ke>

Introduction:

In Information Systems (IS) research and development, Western perspectives have long dominated our understanding and approach. However, as we move towards a more inclusive and diverse digital landscape, it is crucial to incorporate Indigenous philosophical approaches in IS theorization.

This minitrack explores the rich potential of Indigenous epistemologies and methodologies in reshaping our understanding of digital technologies and their societal impact. By centering Indigenous knowledge systems and theories, we aim to provide alternative voices from the dominant paradigms embedded in current IS research and practice, paving the way for more pluralistic and culturally responsive technological solutions.

By embracing Indigenous philosophical approaches, we seek to broaden the scope of IS theorization, rethink existing power dynamics in technology access and usage, and contribute to a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable digital culture. This minitrack invites scholars and practitioners to engage in critical discussions on decolonizing IS research and practice, ultimately working towards a pluriversal understanding of technology and society.

Potential topics:

The minitrack focuses on Indigenous philosophical constructs (e.g., Ubuntu/Botho, Bhutan, Buen Vivir, Harambee, and other axiologies and epistemologies) to inform IS theorization and practice. The minitrack invites paper submissions on the following topics (but not limited to these suggestions):

  *   The Africanization of IS philosophy to enrich the understanding of intelligent technologies for a better future
  *   The use of African/Ubuntu epistemology to inform the theorization of IS
  *   The use of African/Ubuntu axiology to inform the theorization of IS
  *   The use of other Indigenous axiologies and epistemologies to inform the theorization of IS
  *   Geopolitical tensions regarding IS theorization
  *   How do Indigenous philosophies inform the epistemological or ontological assumptions for studying IT, IS, and AI?
  *   How can constructs borrowed from Indigenous philosophies counteract technological determinism in the era of the fourth industrial revolution?
  *   How can Ubuntu values inform the use of AI in marketing to create a better future?
  *   How can Ubuntu values inform the use of AI in the healthcare industry to create a better future?
  *   How can Ubuntu values inform the use of AI in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to create a better future?
  *   How does Generative AI improve (or impede) Indigenous societies?
  *   Which Indigenous products of theorizing are suitable to inform the study of IS?
  *   What Indigenous products of theorizing are needed to inform the study of IS?
  *   Which Indigenous paradigms and research methodologies are suitable for studying IT?
  *   Which mainstream approaches are more suitable for IS research in Indigenous environments: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed?
  *   Are some paradigms more adapted to the study of IT in Indigenous environments: positivism, interpretivism, critical realism, or pragmatism?
  *   Is there a potential role of African philosophy in studying intelligent technologies for a better future?
  *   Integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into IS theoretical frameworks
  *   Exploring how Indigenous philosophies can inform the design and implementation of decolonized technologies
  *   Examining the role of Indigenous epistemologies in addressing digital inequalities and promoting technological sovereignty
  *   Investigating the potential of Indigenous-led IS projects in fostering community empowerment and cultural preservation
  *   How can Indigenous philosophies promote/inform the ethical use of emerging technologies?
  *   Case studies of technological solutions grounded on Indigenous knowledge or philosophies.
  *   How can Indigenous identities be manifested by AI technologies?
  *   How can Indigenous values inform the responsible use of technologies?
  *   How can African epistemologies and ontological assumptions inform the use of information systems in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies?
  *   Exploring how African epistemologies can inform AI for peacebuilding

Reading list/possible sources:

Possible references on theories and products of theorizing (adapted and amended from a reading list suggested by Prof Hassan for the Information on the products of theorizing (POT) world tour):

Avison, D., & Malaurent, J. (2014). Is theory king?: Questioning the theory fetish in information systems. Journal of Information Technology, 29(4), 327–336. https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.2014.8<https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.2014.8>
Burton-Jones, A., Butler, B. S., Scott, S. V., & Xu, S. X. (2021). Next-generation information systems theorizing: A call to action. MIS Quarterly: Management Information Systems, 45(1), 301–314. https://doi.org/10.25300/MISQ/2021/15434<https://doi.org/10.25300/MISQ/2021/15434>
Chowdhury, T., & Oredo, J. (2022). AI ethical biases: Normative and information systems development conceptual framework. Journal of Decision Systems, 32(3), 617–633. https://doi.org/10.1080/12460125.2022.2062849<https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/doi.org/10.1080/12460125.2022.2062849___.YzJlOnVuaXNhbW9iaWxlOmM6bzpjYTkzN2VmNTFlZmYxMmJkODhjMjZmZjJhMTg1NzdhNTo2OjkxMWE6YmU0MmMwNzJlMDNhMDBjYzkzMjliZWQ0MDE5ZTJlNDQ5OWM2N2I4YmY3MWE1YzE5ZGIyODZiMmUxNTU0OGQwZDpwOlQ6Tg>
Eke, D. O., Chintu, S. S., Wakunuma, K. (2023). Towards shaping the future of responsible AI in Africa. In: Eke, D. O., Wakunuma, K., Akintoye, S. (eds). Responsible AI in Africa, 169–193., Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. (Social and Cultural Studies of Robots and AI.) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08215-3_8<https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08215-3_8>
Gregor, S. (2006). The nature of theory in information systems. MIS Quarterly, 30(3), 611–642. https://doi.org/10.2307/25148742<https://doi.org/10.2307/25148742>
Gregor, S. (2014). Theory - Still king but needing a revolution! Journal of Information Technology, 29(4), 337–340. https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.2014.22<https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.2014.22>
Gregor, S., & Jones, D. (2007). The anatomy of a design theory. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 8(5), 312–335. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00129<https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00129>
Grover, V., & Lyytinen, K. (2023). The pursuit of innovative theory in the digital age. Journal of Information Technology, 38(1), 45–59. https://doi.org/10.1177/02683962221077112<https://doi.org/10.1177/02683962221077112>
Grover, V., Lyytinen, K., Srinivasan, A., & Tan, B. C. Y. (2008). Contributing to rigorous and forward thinking explanatory theory. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 9(2), 40–47. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00151<https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00151>
Hassan, N. R., Lowry, P. B., & Mathiassen, L. (2022). Editorial: Useful products in information systems theorizing: A discursive formation perspective. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 23(2), 418–446. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00730<https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00730>
Hassan, N. R., Rivard, S., Schultze, U., & Willcocks, L. (2023). Products of theorizing—Towards native theories of emerging information technologies. Journal of Information Technology, 38(4), 372–381. https://doi.org/10.1177/02683962231217348<https://doi.org/10.1177/02683962231217348>
Hassan, N. R., & Willcocks, L. P. (Eds.) (2021). Advancing information systems theories, Volume I: Rationale and processes. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. (Technology, Work and Globalization, https://link.springer.com/series/14456<https://link.springer.com/series/14456>.) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64884-8<https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64884-8>
Hirschheim, R. (2019). Against theory: With apologies to Feyerabend. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 20(9), 1340–1357. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00569<https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00569>
Hovorka, D. S., Rowe, F., Markus, M. L., Jarvenpaa, S. L., Swanson, E. B., Lacity, M., Burton-Jones, A., Venkatesh, V., & Hirschheim, R. (2019). Scholarly commentaries on Hirschheim’s “Against theory.” Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 20(9), 1358–1389. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00570<https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00570>
Kroeze, J. H. (2024). Pointers for Ubuntu information systems ethics. In A. Gerber (Ed.), SAICSIT 2024 Online Proceedings (pp. 212–223). Retrieved from https://saicsit2024.mandela.ac.za/saicsit2024/media/Store/<https://saicsit2024.mandela.ac.za/saicsit2024/media/Store>documents/SAICSITOnline.pdf
Lee, A. S. (2014). Theory is king? But first, what is theory? Journal of Information Technology, 29(4), 350–352. https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.2014.23<https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.2014.23>
Leidner, D. E., & Gregory, R. W. (2024). About theory and theorizing. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 25(3), 501–521. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00886<https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00886>
Markus, M. L. (2014). Maybe not the king, but an invaluable subordinate: A commentary on Avison and Malaurent’s advocacy of ‘theory light’: IS research. Journal of Information Technology, 29(4), 341–345. https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.2014.19<https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.2014.19>
Markus, M. L. (2015). Maybe not the king, but an invaluable subordinate: A commentary on Avison and Malaurent’s advocacy of ‘theory light’: IS research [Corrigendum]. Journal of Information Technology, 30(1), 90–90. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137509857_10<https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137509857_10>
Markus, M. L., & Rowe, F. (2021). Guest editorial: Theories of digital transformation: A progress report. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 22(2), 273–280. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00661<https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00661>
Markus, M. L., & Rowe, F. (2023). The digital transformation conundrum: Labels, definitions, phenomena, and theories. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 24(2), 328–335. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00809<https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00809___.YzJlOnVuaXNhbW9iaWxlOmM6bzpjYTkzN2VmNTFlZmYxMmJkODhjMjZmZjJhMTg1NzdhNTo2OjY4ODY6MTFkZmE0ZWQyMTA2MTgwYjFlZDdlMDc5MWZhYTIyOWRkNWM5NjA2ZDlhZGVjN2U2ZDE4ZDdmNDkzMGM4OGU2ODpwOlQ6Tg>
Masood Alavi, D., Wählisch, M., Irwin, C., & Konya, A. (2022). Using artificial intelligence for peacebuilding. Journal of Peacebuilding & Development, 17(2), 239-243. https://doi.org/10.1177/15423166221102757<https://doi.org/10.1177/15423166221102757>
Masood, D., Wählisch, M. (2019). AI and global governance: Robots will not only wage future wars but also future peace. UN University (Centre for Policy Research). https://cpr.unu.edu/publications/articles/robots-will-not-only-wage-future-wars-but-also-future-peace.html<https://cpr.unu.edu/publications/articles/robots-will-not-only-wage-future-wars-but-also-future-peace.html> (Accessed Oct. 15, 2024.)
Maweu, J. M. 2011. Indigenous ecological knowledge and modern western ecological knowledge: Complementary, not contradictory. Thought and Practice, 3(2), 35–47. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tp/article/view/74874<https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tp/article/view/74874>
Myers, M. D., Chughtai, H., Davidson, E., Tsibolane, P., & Young, A. (2020). Studying the other or becoming the other: Engaging with Indigenous peoples in IS research (Report on panel discussion on the ethics and politics of engagement with Indigenous peoples in Information Systems (IS) research at the 40th ICIS, 2019, Munich). Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 47, 382–396. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.04718
Niederman, F. (2021). The philosopher’s corner: A minimalist view of theory: Why this promises advancement for the IS discipline. The DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems, 52(4), 119–130. https://doi.org/10.1145/3508484.3508491<https://doi.org/10.1145/3508484.3508491>
Rivard, S. (2021). Theory building is neither an art nor a science. It is a craft. Journal of Information Technology, 36(3), 316–328. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268396220911938<https://doi.org/10.1177/0268396220911938>
Rowe, F., & Markus, M. L. (2023). Envisioning digital transformation: Advancing theoretical diversity. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 24(6), 1459–1478. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00850<https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00850___.YzJlOnVuaXNhbW9iaWxlOmM6bzpjYTkzN2VmNTFlZmYxMmJkODhjMjZmZjJhMTg1NzdhNTo2OjRhNTk6OWYxMTc0YzgxMjQ3Y2IxOTg4NmE3NDQyNjQ4YmY2YmUxYjhjMmQ3NDkyMzFjNDYwYzkyNTU2ZmRhNjkzZGM0MTpwOlQ6Tg>
Spillane, J. (2015). ICT4P: Using information and communication technology for peacebuilding in Rwanda. Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, 10(3), 97–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/15423166.2015.1091269<https://doi.org/10.1080/15423166.2015.1091269>
Weber, R. (2012). Evaluating and developing theories in the information systems discipline. Journal of the Association of Information Systems, 13(1), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00284<https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00284>
Willcocks, L. P., Hassan, N. R., & Rivard, S. (Eds.) (2023). Advancing information systems theories, Volume II: Products and digitalisation. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. (Technology, Work and Globalization, https://link.springer.com/series/14456<https://link.springer.com/series/14456>.) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38719-7<https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38719-7>

Sincerely
Pitso Tsibolane , Jan Kroeze and John Oredo

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