Possibilities of Interpretivist Approach in Information Systems Research(<Special Issue>Interpretivism in Information and Management Research)

Abstract

On the study of information systems, interpretivist and positivist approaches are often compared and characteristics of both approaches have been discussed. In this paper, the author would like to explore what and how interpretivist approach clarifies the usage of information systems in an organization, especially, by clarifying the target of the understanding in "information systems phenomena." To explain such points, the author refers to previous study about understanding other's intention and achieving communication. In order to apply this theory in an actual situation, user's interpretation of schedule function in a groupware at one company is examined.