Critique: Information Systems Academics' Core Competency?

Abstract

This chapter is about identifying a distinct core competency for information systems (IS) academics. The author is concerned that, while many would agree that their competency has more to do with thinking skills than technical expertise, thinking skills are poorly defined. This chapter will suggest a definition using pragmatism, which is growing in popularity both in IS and the theory of knowledge. More specifically, this chapter will explore the argument that the core competency of IS academics be recognized as pragmatic critical thinking where this is defined as developing unique and useful concepts to reflect on industry-related problems. While there is some recognition of this role for IS academics already, the lack of explicit definitions of “critique” and the provision of practical examples may be blocking its development as a feasible core competency. IS academics may want to develop news ways to critique management practice rather than more ideal methodologies. In this way, academics would have a useful service to offer industry. Examples of possible critique methods are presented with some discussion about how they might be applied.