DISCUSSION OF: The Role of Information Systems in Supporting Exploitative and Exploratory Management Control Activities

Abstract

S chermann et al. (2012; hereafter SWK) adopt a grounded theory approach to develop a parsimonious model of a complex and important problem that is clearly presented in the title of their paper. Their work builds upon a central tension facing management. How to strike the balance between activities directed towards exploration of the new which must necessarily compete for attention and effort with those directed towards exploitation of the known. In this short discussion I will take the opportunity to highlight two distinctive ways that the paper contributes to the literature and our understanding of the nature of research. The approach of SWK illuminates two particular issues that are persistent topics of concern and debate. The first is the role of research in ‘‘keeping up’’ with practice. The second is the role of theory and method in inductive research. The central tension motivating their paper of exploration and exploitation also proves helpful when considering these two issues.