The Development and Application of Resource Dependence Perspective in Information System Research: Informetrics and Network Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the development and applicability of the Resource Dependence Perspective (RDP) as a critical building-block for Information Systems (IS) research. First, the paper reviews the essential ideas of RDP and its intersection with IS research. Second, we conduct an Informetrics analysis on the development of RDP per se based on citations in RDP-related studies. Third, we explore the application of RDP in the IS field using a network analysis of current published studies and author communities. Major findings indicate that RDP serves as a rigorous rationale for Information System related studies. Furthermore, we found that the research community, composed of IS researchers applying RDP, is growing and shows great potential. We offer a scholarly review and critique of possible future trends and research opportunities related to RDP in the IS area. Major practical suggestions include (a) promoting strategic IS research (practical studies), (b) enhancing collaboration in the IS researcher community and (c) conducting multilevel research.