MAKING SENSE OF IS RESEARCH IN ACOMPLEX WORLD

摘要

Interpreting results of qualitative research has been regarded by many as difficult fraught with accommodatingrnmultiple points of view in complex problem domains. It is recognised (Denzin & Lincoln, 2000) that there isrnno clear or straightforward solution to interpret qualitative research results.rnIn this paper, sense-making conceptual models (SCMs) are explored as both a generic and an individual setrnof skills required by qualitative researchers in information systems. Interpretive sense-making is first put inrncontext with the multiple meanings of sense-making. Sense-making is then situate within phase five of Denzinrn& Lincoln's (2000) 5-phase qualitative research framework. The important role of sense-making in coping withrncomplexity and uncertainty in interpreting qualitative research results is discussed next. Sense-making is thenrnsituated both within the five-phase research process and six-stage reflective level model based on Bain, Packer,rn& Mills, (1999).rnCharacteristics of symbolic SCMs for qualitative research data interpretations are then described and situatedrnwithin appropriate interpretive thinking frameworks for static, evolutionary and revolutionary times. AlthoughrnSCMs are independent of any qualitative research method, an SCM needs to be aligned with the chosenrnresearch method, the individual researcher and the research area. SCMs inhabit a theoretically rich, multi-factoredrnsense-making landscape, and provide the basis for interpreting qualitative data in information systemsrnresearch. Finally, the characteristics of one revolutionary SCM are described.