Special issue: Indigenous theory

A few years ago, I co-authored an editorial in this journal (Davison & Díaz Andrade, 2018) which we observed that the vast majority of theories applied IS discipline were developed by scholars living countries global north. We argued situation is problematic because those may not reflect contextual realities culturally different locations and suggested apparent universalism “northern” it overwhelms, confines even silences other voices perspectives. Further, dominant position English language a key contributor to situation, menacing ways knowing. Unfortunately, researchers south tend rely almost exclusively on characterise reliance as form unconscious hegemonic participation (Wall, Stahl, Salam, 2015) privileges superiority north at expense indigenous concepts valid multifarious contexts south. recall conversation had with senior Management academics university developing country where they attempt theorise their own for publication. Their reaction was utter bafflement! They asked me why Western audience could possibly be interested culture. also believed reviewers would prefer see test well-grounded theory. Finally, theory building takes too much time risky: easier safer repeat former studies new data collected context. explained that, editor ISJ, certainly submission involved development reaction? Polite disbelief! In fact, there are exceptions can highlighted. For instance, Chinese cultural concept guanxi now well published number top journals IS, Management, Strategy disciplines. Other examples include waqf (Arabic), sanuk (Thai), hygge (Danish/Norwegian), sisu (Finnish) jugaad (Indian). But rare leading have articles from contexts. defined “a human behaviour or mind specific context culture, imported contexts/cultures purposely designed people who live culture”. Context thus very bound up theory, only valuable when plausible appropriate given Martinsons, 2016). special issue, champion draws elements around world. decided look substantively theoretical developments anchored contexts, rather than modifications existing Sixteen papers submitted three been accepted. introduced below. It our hope these will inspire others develop concepts, ideas here tested At established culture inclusivity. This perhaps particularly visible issues, but welcome submissions globally, topics sit anywhere continuum local global. Twelve served Senior Associate Editor issue: Christoph Schneider, Julien Malaurent, MN Ravishankar, Monideepa Tarafdar, Ravi Patnayakuni, Antonio Han-fen Hu, Jonas Hedman, Murray Jennex, Barney Tan, Stan Karanasios Joe Feller. like thank them energy invested, greatly contributing quality accepted papers. first paper, Techatassanasoontorn, Singh, Staniland (2021) examine how worldviews shape professional experiences IT professionals, approach towards digital artefacts. Using Aotearoa New Zealand, authors stories professionals trace lineage Indigenous People (Māori) temporal, contextualised narrative accounts experiences. The analysis reveals activities shaped distinctive yet intertwined Māori elements: whakapapa (genealogical connections), tikanga (customary traditions) tino rangatiratanga (collective determination). article theorises capitalise representational power artefacts vehicle re-affirmation project identity contemporary society. second Xiao, Leong, Tan address Qinghuai, understood principle manifests way life associated following one's heart (as opposed perfect rationality). Developed cases entrepreneurial ventures China, unpack qinghuai into six constituent individual, organisational ecosystem levels across dimensions spiritual idealism perpetual development. Unlike notion guanxi, has subject research domain management, frame value internally oriented relationship specific. suggest helps attract initial base customers overcome resource constraints, severe compared incumbent firms competing against. third Abubakre, Faik, Mkansi demonstrate Ubuntu, system prevalent South Africa neighbouring countries, offers basis community orientation entrepreneurship. argue Ubuntu provides alternative perspectives entrepreneurship, give primacy market values centre entrepreneurship narratives heroic individual entrepreneur(s). Through study two innovation clusters Africa, highlight tensions faced entrepreneurs uphold while operating competitive rapidly changing environment. propose “Digital Ubuntu” capture adapt enactment increasingly reality consequently create possibilities navigating between values.