Research Concerns of Information Systems Faculty: An Exploratory Investigation

Abstract

Despite the growing interest in information systems research, empirical studies on IS research and researchers are few. This study reports the findings from an exploratory survey of IS faculty on professional research concerns (e.g., the quality of IS research and the relevance of IS research to IS practice) and personal research concerns (e.g., research burnout and extrinsic pressure to do research). Issues for this study were identified based upon available literature and current opinions of IS faculty. Among other findings, it appears that the quality of IS research as perceived by IS faculty is still relatively low and seems to be linked to the “fragmented” or “diverse” state of the IS field as well as to research burnout among the faculty. Issues and hypotheses for further research are suggested along with recommendations for reducing research burnout.