Theory Building for ICT4D: Systemizing Case Study Research Using Theory Triangulation

Abstract

The popularity of case study methods in information and communications technology for development research presents challenges in comparing findings across studies for the purpose of theory building. The object of this paper is to describe a qualitative study in which theory triangulation was used to systematically compare multiple cases to develop theory. The concept of development provided the theoretical context for the study. The work of Hall and Midgley was used to provide three rival philosophical positions that give rise to differing approaches to social development. These are: populist, enterprise and statist. The application of these three contrasting perspectives using theory triangulation is demonstrated in the analysis of multiple case studies taken from a community technology center program in Australia. The relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach are identified and used as the rationale for theory development.

Keywords:

• information technology
• social development
• case study
• triangulation
• theory building
• community technology
• telecenters

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the assistance provided by volunteers and staff of the CTCA in NSW and its members. The author wishes to gratefully acknowledge the help of Dr Madeleine Strong Cincotta in the final language editing of this paper.

Notes on contributor

William Tibben has been at the University of Wollongong since 2000 and is currently a Lecturer in the School of Information Systems and Technology. Before joining the university, William worked in broadcast technical training rolls in the South Pacific region during the 1990s – four years with the Samoa Broadcasting Service and periodic assignments for Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association (PIBA) spanning five years. Prior to this William worked for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in both radio and television in Sydney for 12 years. William has served on the board of the Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC) 2009–2012.

Notes

1. Work-for-the-dole is a colloquial term in Australia that refers to the requirement of those who receive unemployment benefits from the national government to undertake steps to find work. Participation in recognized training at a CTC was considered an acceptable activity that benefit recipients could cite in support of their fortnightly application for the on-going payment.

2. Competitive neutrality provisions restrict government-sponsored organizations from competing with private-sector businesses.