Synthesizing Qualitative Evidence: A Roadmap for Information Systems Research

Qualitative synthesis research is an approach that consolidates the output of different qualitative studies to create new subject knowledge. Such work can help reveal more powerful explanations than seen in a single study, thereby generating increased levels understanding given phenomenon and greater finding generalizability. Based on review literature survey researchers, we found information systems (IS) domain lacks clear methods and, as result, has largely failed take advantage this powerful, high-potential methodological opportunity. To address shortcoming, paper first provide rigorous overview full suite 35 methods, well guidelines include three-tiered selection framework. By using framework tandem, IS researchers are able select method most appropriate for particularly when objective involves knowledge integration/aggregation, interpretation/theory development, and/or informing practice.