Employing personal construct theory to understand information systems: a practical guide for researchers

Authors

M Gordon Hunter, University of Lethbridge
Peter Caputi, University of WollongongFollow
Felix B. Tan, Auckland University of Technology

RIS ID

77837

Publication Details

Gordon Hunter, M., Caputi, P. & Tan, F. B. (2012). Employing personal construct theory to understand information systems: a practical guide for researchers. In Y. K. Dwivedi, M. R. Wade & S. L. Schneberger (Eds.), Information systems theory: Explaining and predicting our digital society (pp. 1-24). United States: Springer.

Abstract

This chapter presents a description of Personal Construct Theory and how the theory may be employed in information systems research. Within the purview of Personal Construct Theory, the Repertory Grid technique is also described, which is an interview technique employed to elicit and document a research participant's system of personal constructs. The concept of laddering is also presented which facilitates delving into the detailed meanings attributed by a research participant to their construct system. Examples of information systems projects are also included in this chapter to further elucidate Personal Construct Theory and the Repertory Grid technique.