Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Stephens Department of Entrepreneurship and Information Systems
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
This dissertation explores the concept of scholarly influence within the field of Information Systems (IS) and examines the broader implications of academic publishing norms. It is motivated by the paradox that, while top-tier journal publications are often viewed as the gold standard of academic success, scholarly influence in practice extends far beyond citation counts and impact factors.
Through a three-paper structure, this research investigates how scholarly influence is defined, measured, and rewarded within IS. The first study conducts a literature review of scholarly influence, identifying traditional and emerging metrics used to evaluate academic impact. The second study empirically analyzes the careers of influential IS scholars, focusing on AIS LEO Award and AIS Fellow Award recipients. By examining their CVs, this research reveals a more diverse landscape of scholarly influence than conventional bibliometric measures suggest. The third study analyzes IS publications over the past decade to track shifts in research methodologies and publication trends. These findings suggest that the field of IS is diversifying in terms of research approaches, data collection methods, and the scope of academic discourse.
Together, these studies challenge the prevailing notion that publishing in top-tier journals is the sole determinant of scholarly success. Instead, they emphasize the evolving nature of academic influence and the need for broader evaluation frameworks. As altmetrics and interdisciplinary collaborations gain prominence, academia must reconsider how scholarly impact is assessed. Moving forward, a stronger connection between academia, industry, and society will be essential in shaping research that is both impactful and relevant beyond academic circles.
Date
3-26-2025
Recommended Citation
Almond, DeAnn Carola, "Scholarly Influence in the Information Systems Field: A Multidimensional Exploration" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6697.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6697
Committee Chair
Rudy Hirschheim
