Theoretical And Conceptual Framework: A Critical Part of Information Systems Research Process and Writing

Abstract

The information systems (IS) research process and writing is built on existing knowledge, principles, theories, 
frameworks, and models. IS researchers continue to build their ideas on an existing framework called the 
theoretical framework through which a conceptual framework is formulated. Theoretical and conceptual 
frameworks are the foundation of any research process in IS research and others. Both theoretical and 
conceptual frameworks are used by scholars in IS discipline when preparing a research work. IS supervisors 
always urge their students to apply a theoretical and conceptual framework in their study. But the 
selection and application of the theoretical and conceptual framework in IS discipline and research are 
still confusing to IS scholars. This paper deployed a literature review process to determine the critical role 
of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in IS discipline and research in looking at existing literature 
covering both frameworks in information systems (IS) research. This study found that the application and 
selecting process of the theoretical and conceptual framework remains confusing and challenging. The 
study provides a comprehensive structure for choosing and applying the theoretical and conceptual 
framework in IS research.