Book Description

'Although critical research represents a small portion of all IS research, it has always posed insightful challenges to more conventional approaches. This volume assembles a wide array of contributions by leading researchers in the field. The editors clarify the broad range of critical research beyond the seminal contributions that appeared early in IS research, making this an essential guide to contemporary approaches as well as a summation of prior contributions.' – Daniel Robey, Georgia State University, US 'This indispensable book provides an excellent overview of the variety of perspectives that characterize critical research in the information systems field.' – Michael D. Myers, University of Auckland, New Zealand This important Handbook provides a unique overview of information systems (IS) research by focusing on the increasing interest in critical-related issues. Representing a significant step forward in the development of critical perspectives on the IS field, the Handbook draws together original contributions from leading authors who offer alternatives to the current mainstream approaches to IS research. In order to accommodate the various strands of critical understanding, a broad range of views and theoretical standpoints are encompassed, thereby combining theory with practical applications, and offering a valuable source of reference for this emerging area of research. Recent years have witnessed a more explicit focus on critical research and, continuing in that vein, the editors adopt an inclusive approach which considers alternative insights that can arise from critical IS research. Topics explored include, amongst others: • management trends and IS • flexibility, freedom and women's emancipation • 'consuming passions' in the global knowledge economy • critical discourse analysis for the study of information systems • evaluation of e-governance projects in India • rationalities and emotions in IS innovation • capital, information technology and enterprise development • mediated work in global business organizations. Reflecting on key themes and emergent issues in critical information systems research, this Handbook will be invaluable reading for both academics and practitioners with an interest in a critical understanding of information systems from a variety of perspectives.