Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Expanding The Notion Of Relevance In Is Research: A Proposal And Some Recommendations, Deepak Khazanchi, Bjørn Erik Munkvold

Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis Faculty Publications

Based on an analysis of a priori discussion on the notion of relevance, this paper proposes a holistic view of relevance in IS research. This expanded notion of relevance incorporates a broader definition of audience/stakeholder, and includes additional dimensions such as scope/value of relevant research, time frame, and "situatedness" of relevance. In view of this definition, it is argued that "practical relevance" is not the sole goal of academic research. Hence, the authors recommend, for example, that knowledge claims in IS need to be better communicated and targeted for the future development and recognition of the IS discipline.