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.