A number of writers in the IS field have already
demonstrated that interpretive case studies, if carried
out and written up carefully, can make a valuable
contribution to both IS theory and practice. However,
the volume and range of such studies are relatively
limited at the present time. It can be argued that there
is a need for much more work from an interpretive
stance in the future, since human interpretations
concerning computer-based information systems are of
central importance to the practice of IS, and thus to the
investigations carried out by IS researchers.
This paper has aimed to contribute to the future
development of the interpretive school of IS research
by providing discussion and guidance on a range of
issues. These were concerned both with the philosophical
and theoretical nature of interpretive studies in
the IS field, and with methods of conducting and
reporting such work. The paper has aimed to provide a
useful reference point on these issues, and more
generally to encourage IS case study researchers to
reflect on the basis, conduct and reporting of their
work.