Toward Principles of Construct Clarity: Exploring the Usefulness of Facet Theory in Guiding Conceptualization

Authors

  • Meng Zhang Queensland University of Technology
  • Guy Gable Queensland University of Technology
  • Arun Rai Georgia State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3127/ajis.v20i0.1123

Keywords:

Conceptualization, Construct Clarity, Concept Clarity, Concept Formation, Construct Development, Meta-Theoretical Principle, Theoretical Framework, Facet Theory, IT Value, IS Success

Abstract

Conceptualization in theory development has received limited consideration despite its frequently stressed importance in Information Systems research. This paper focuses on the role of construct clarity in conceptualization, arguing that construct clarity should be considered an essential criterion for evaluating conceptualization and that a focus on construct clarity can advance conceptualization methodology. Drawing from Facet Theory literature, we formulate a set of principles for assessing construct clarity, particularly regarding a construct’s relationships to its extant related constructs. Conscious and targeted attention to this criterion can promote a research ecosystem more supportive of knowledge accumulation.

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Published

2016-02-10

How to Cite

Zhang, M., Gable, G., & Rai, A. (2016). Toward Principles of Construct Clarity: Exploring the Usefulness of Facet Theory in Guiding Conceptualization. Australasian Journal of Information Systems, 20. https://doi.org/10.3127/ajis.v20i0.1123

Issue

Vol. 20 (2016)

Section

Selected Papers from the Information Systems Foundations Conference (ISF)

License

AJIS publishes open-access articles distributed under the terms of a Creative Commons Non-Commercial and Attribution License which permits non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and AJIS are credited. All other rights including granting permissions beyond those in the above license remain the property of the author(s).