Insider Action Design Research a multi-methodological Information Systems research approach

Abstract

The use of methodologies, and in particular multi-methodological approaches, to conduct scientific research in Information Systems discipline has been discussed in countless articles. While initially rigorous applied methodologies similar to those used in mathematics and physics have been endorsed, a need for tailored methodologies that take the human factor in Information Systems into consideration has pushed for endorsement of qualitative methodologies such as Action Research. On the other hand, Design Research gained interest due to its aim at creating systems, which are fundamental components of Information Systems. A combination of both concepts led to the creation of Action Design Research; while at the same time a branch of Action Research, referred to as Insider Action Research, has emerged involving researcher(s) from within participating organizations. This paper discusses these methodologies and proposes the concept of Insider Action Design Research as a multi-methodological approach to conduct research in Information Systems, combining Design Science with Action Research while allowing the employees from within participating organizations to conduct the research.