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Theories Used in IS Research Wiki

This site provides researchers with summarized information on theories widely used in information systems (IS) research. Click on a linked theory name below to find details about the theory, some examples of IS papers using the theory, and links to related sites. Please feel free to summarize a theory, add to the information already present, correct errors, or suggest additional theories for the list. Theories yet to be summarized and theory submission guidelines can be found below.

All information on this site is presented under a GNU Free Documentation License.

This site is built on user contributions. PLEASE SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND CONTRIBUTE!!

This site is maintained as an ongoing project of the Information Systems PhD Preparation Program of the Marriott School of Management of Brigham Young University.

Acknowledgements

The senior editors of this site are:

• Scott Schneberger
• Mike Wade.

The managing editors of this site are:

• Anthony Vance
• Gove Allen.

The operational editor of this site is:

• David Eargle

Senior IS researcher site advisors are:

• Sid Huff
• Dan Robey
• Carol Saunders
• Geoff Walsham
• Jane Webster.

Theories

• Absorptive capacity theory
• Actor network theory
• Adaptive structuration theory
• Administrative behavior, theory of
• Agency theory
• Argumentation theory
• Behavioral decision theory
• Boundary object theory
• Chaos theory
• Cognitive dissonance theory
• Cognitive fit theory
• Cognitive load theory
• Competitive strategy (Porter)
• Complexity theory
• Contingency theory
• Critical realism theory
• Critical social theory
• Critical success factors, theory of
• Deferred action, theory of
• Delone and McLean IS success model
• Diffusion of innovations theory
• Dynamic capabilities
• Embodied social presence theory
• Equity theory
• Evolutionary theory
• Expectation confirmation theory
• Feminism theory
• Fit-Viability theory
• Flow theory
• Game theory
• Garbage can theory
• General systems theory
• General deterrence theory
• Hermeneutics
• Illusion of control
• Impression management, theory of
• Information processing theory
• Institutional theory
• International information systems theory
• Knowledge-based theory of the firm
• Language action perspective
• Lemon Market Theory
• Management fashion theory
• Media richness theory
• Media synchronicity theory
• Modal aspects, theory of
• Multi-attribute utility theory
• Organizational culture theory
• Organizational information processing theory
• Organizational knowledge creation
• Organizational learning theory
• Portfolio theory
• Process virtualization theory
• Prospect theory
• Punctuated equilibrium theory
• Real options theory
• Resource-based view of the firm
• Resource dependency theory
• Self-efficacy theory
• SERVQUAL
• Social capital theory
• Social cognitive theory
• Social exchange theory
• Social learning theory
• Social network theory
• Social shaping of technology
• Socio-technical theory
• Soft systems theory
• Stakeholder theory
• Structuration theory
• Task closure theory
• Task-technology fit
• Technological frames of reference
• Technology acceptance model
• Technology dominance, theory of
• Technology-organization-environment framework
• Theory of planned behavior
• Theory of reasoned action
• Transaction cost economics
• Transactive memory theory
• Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology
• Usage control model
• Work systems theory
• Yield shift theory of satisfaction