AMCIS 2025 SIGPhil Minitrack - Indigenous philosophical approaches for IS theorization

Wed Feb 5 08:47:13 EST 2025

Dear colleagues and postgraduate students, we would like to invite you to
submit a paper to a minitrack on *Indigenous philosophical approaches for
IS theorization*. The minitrack forms part of the SIG Philosophy track:
Engaging with Theories for Understanding Intelligent Technologies for a
Better Future (SIG PHIL) (
https://amcis2025.aisconferences.org/submissions/track-descriptions/)

You are welcome to disseminate this invitation on your networks.

Jan Kroeze, Pitso Tsibolane 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 / kroezjh at unisa.ac.za
Mr Pitso Tsibolane – pitso.tsibolane at uct.ac.za
Dr John Otieno Oredo – 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

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

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

Gregor, S. (2006). The nature of theory in information systems. *MIS
Quarterly*, *30*(3), 611–642. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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://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

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

Kroeze, J. H. (2024). Digital coloniality: An Ubuntu perspective. *Scandinavian
Journal of Information Systems, 36*(2), 175–215.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/sjis/vol36/iss2/6

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/
 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

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

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

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

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

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

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
(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

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

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

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

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

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://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38719-7

Sincerely

Jan Kroeze, Pitso Tsibolane and John Oredo

Prof JH Kroeze (PhD IT, University of Pretoria)

Research Professor, School of Computing

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

University of South Africa

Telephone: +27 83 230 6788

E-mail: kroezjh at unisa.ac.za or jan.kroeze at gmail.com

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vIPKgTwAAAAJ
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