What is it about?
This theory development paper argues that activity theory, as a theory of practice, can help overcome long-standing challenges in the field of information systems (IS) by better accounting for the material in work and social activity. It also suggests ways in which IS research can inform the development of activity theory. The purpose of this paper is to be forward looking as much as reflective to advance an enlarged understanding of activity theory, and argue for its development in IS studies.
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Why is it important?
The paper has three aims. First, to cultivate the use of activity theory in IS. It elaborates on the use and contribution of activity theory in IS, charts it’s use over the last 20 years and discusses how it brings together a range of ideas that have been neglected in other social theories. Second, to explore the challenges surrounding the use of activity theory in understanding interaction between actors and technology. Third, to set an agenda for its advancement in IS, to ruminate upon future research concerning the extension of activity theory and develop a “fourth-generation” activity theory.
Perspectives
I hope this article helps make sense of how activity theory can be used in information systems research. More than anything else, and if nothing else, I hope you find this article thought-provoking.
Stan Karanasios
RMIT University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Toward a unified view of technology and activity, Information Technology and People, February 2018, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/itp-04-2016-0074.
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