Fact or Fiction: Qualitative Research Results in Information Systems

In this discussion paper multiple points of view, and effects and sources of bias in qualitative research results in organizational information systems are explored. A generic qualitative research process is traced starting from the ways in which researchers obtain permission to gather data in organizations. Multiple points of view in the research process, all of which may introduce bias into research results, are considered next. These include researcher/s, research institution, funding body, client organization, and individual participants. Finally bias effects from these multiple points of view are considered at analysis, interpretation and reporting of research results for organizational information systems. The position taken in this paper is that there is inevitable bias in qualitative research that may have many effects. The appropriateness of a ‘scientific’ approach to bias in qualitative research in organizational information systems is also considered.