Davern, MJ; Wilkin, CL; Shoib, G
(EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LIMITED, 2009)
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a frank reflection on the authors' journey in applying social theory to understand the routine use of a transactionâprocessing system in a rich field context.
Design/methodology/approach
Inspired by a perplexing initial observation, the program of research moved quickly from one of more traditional positivist methods (experiments and surveys) to case study research. The case study involved observation and comparative analysis of the routine use of a reservation system across a large franchised accommodation chain.
Findings
As a reflective essay, the key findings relate to the research process itself. The essence of the findings is that applying social theory is itself a social process.
Originality/value
The paper finds that insight can come from understanding the routine use of IT as a social artefact, not just from studying crises or latest innovations.