Toward an Anatomy of "Successful" Qualitative Research Manuscripts in IS: A Critical Review and Some Recommendations

In this study, we assess the current trends and patterns of 85 qualitative research articles published over the period of 2001-2011 from four mainstream IS journals with no stated preference for qualitative research (MISQ, ISR, JMIS, JAIS). We analyze each article with respect to it anatomical elements. More specifically, we review the nature of the research question; the way the IT artifact issue is handled; theoretical engagement; methodological aspects of data collection, data analysis, and criteria of rigor; research contribution; and presentation. Our findings are not meant to be normative per se, but do make visible the strategies of authors who have been successful in publishing in the leading mainstream journals of the discipline. We also propose a set of principles that we believe can help assist authors and evaluators in further enhancing the status of qualitative research in the discipline.