This academic study employs a systematic literature review to examine the current state of research on digital diversity within the field of Information Systems (IS). The term digital diversity refers to the heterogeneity of user groups with respect to their demographic characteristics and the varied utilization of digital technologies.
The objective of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of existing research, identify research gaps, and outline future directions for investigation. To achieve this, relevant studies were systematically searched for and evaluated in the eight leading IS journals. The analysis encompassed the dimensions of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual orientation, resulting in the identification of 210 relevant publications. Research on diversity in IS has evolved significantly over time, with a marked increase in publications after 2005, indicating growing academic interest.
The findings reveal an uneven distribution of attention devoted to the individual dimensions. Ethnicity and gender are the most frequently studied topics, while religion and sexual orientation are significantly underrepresented. In addition to examining individual diversity dimensions, intersectional approaches that analyze the overlap of multiple dimensions were also considered.
The study concludes with a critical discussion of the results and provides suggestions for future research to better understand digital diversity in its entirety and to further establish it within IS. This systematic literature review makes a significant contribution by deepening the understanding of digital diversity, filling existing research gaps, and providing impetus for the inclusive design of digital technologies and their use.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Theoretical and Conceptual Background
2.1 Diversity and Digital Diversity
2.2 Dimensions of Diversity
3 Methodology
4 Findings
4.1 General Findings
4.2 Findings for the Dimension of Age
4.3 Findings for the Dimension of Disability
4.4 Findings for the Dimension of Ethnicity
4.5 Findings for the Dimension of Gender
4.6 Findings for the Dimension of Religion
4.7 Findings for the Dimension of Sexual Orientation
5 Discussion
5.1 Discussion on General Findings
5.2 Discussion on the Dimension of Age
5.3 Discussion on the Dimension of Disability
5.4 Discussion on the Dimension of Ethnicity
5.5 Discussion on the Dimension of Gender
5.6 Discussion on the Dimension of Religion
5.7 Discussion on the Dimension of Sexual Orientation
6 Implications for Future Research
6.1 General-Level Research Propositions
6.2 Research Propositions on Age
6.3 Research Propositions on Disability
6.4 Research Propositions on Ethnicity
6.5 Research Propositions on Gender
6.6 Research Propositions on Religion
6.7 Research Propositions on Sexual Orientation
7 Limitations
8 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This master's thesis provides a systematic literature review of the current state of research regarding digital diversity within the discipline of Information Systems (IS). The primary research question addresses which dimensions of diversity have been explored in IS research and what significant contributions have been made relating to the concept of digital diversity, aiming to fill existing knowledge gaps and guide future research for the inclusive design of digital technologies.
- Theoretical conceptualization of digital diversity versus related concepts like digital divide.
- Analysis of six primary dimensions of diversity: age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual orientation.
- Systematic review of 210 relevant publications from leading IS journals.
- Investigation of application domains such as IT workforce, technology use and adoption, and societal impacts.
- Development of research propositions to foster more inclusive IS designs and future inquiry.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Diversity and Digital Diversity
Diversity, a term denoting the presence of differences and variations among individuals, holds fundamental significance in various disciplines (Williams & O'Reilly, 1998). Although diversity initially appears to be a simple concept related to differences, its significance extends beyond surface disparities. Rather, it encompasses a wide range of dimensions that shape individual identities and interactions (Morgan et al., 2015).
Diversity is not a recent phenomenon but has been an ongoing subject of interest in both natural and social sciences, elucidating the complexities of human variation and societal dynamics (Litvin, 1997; Milliken & Martins, 1996). Specifically, organizations have focused on the concept of diversity management in the workforce since the 1980s, aiming to foster inclusive environments and leverage the benefits of diverse talent pools. This shift toward embracing diversity within organizational contexts has elevated discussions on equity and inclusion in the workforce that remain pertinent today (Bernstein et al., 2020; Litvin, 1997).
The field of IS is concerned with the intricate interrelationship between individuals and information technology (IT). This relationship has led to the emergence of the concept of digital diversity, which emphasizes the various ways in which individuals interact with the digital environment (Ghobadi, 2015; Skill et al., 2020). Digital diversity examines the heterogeneity of individuals regarding their usage and the impact of digital technology and services (Skill et al., 2020). Within the field of information systems, a variety of diversity dimensions have been the focus of research, including software developers in the IT workforce (Ghobadi, 2015), adoption of specialized information systems by users with disabilities (Pethig & Kroenung, 2019), and competence of students in using information technology (Hatlevik et al., 2015a).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the research topic, digital diversity, and provides the research question and motivation for this literature review.
2 Theoretical and Conceptual Background: Defines diversity and digital diversity while contextualizing them within concepts like digital literacy and the digital divide; it also defines the six core dimensions of diversity covered.
3 Methodology: Describes the systematic literature review process, including search strings, journal selection, and the criteria used to refine the publication sample.
4 Findings: Details the quantitative and qualitative results of the literature search on a general level and across each of the six identified dimensions of diversity.
5 Discussion: Examines and interprets the findings, discusses research gaps, and highlights the implications for the IS research domain.
6 Implications for Future Research: Provides concrete propositions and suggestions for future research pathways to address the identified gaps in understanding digital diversity.
7 Limitations: Addresses potential biases and methodological constraints inherent in the single-author literature review approach.
8 Conclusion: Concludes the thesis by summarizing the contribution of the research to the understanding of digital diversity in Information Systems.
Keywords
Digital diversity, Information Systems, Systematic literature review, Diversity dimensions, Age, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, Religion, Sexual orientation, Digital inclusion, Digital divide, Technology adoption, IT workforce, Digital literacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this research project fundamentally about?
This work is a systematic literature review that investigates how the topic of "digital diversity" is researched and treated within the field of Information Systems (IS) by analyzing leading academic journals.
What are the central themes of this analysis?
The core themes include exploring how different user groups (defined by age, gender, ethnicity, etc.) interact with and are impacted by information technology, and identifying how these diverse backgrounds influence digital inclusion and technology usage.
What is the primary goal or research question of this study?
The thesis aims to identify which dimensions of diversity have received academic attention within IS research and to document what significant contributions have been made regarding the broader concept of digital diversity to help design better, more inclusive systems.
Which scientific methodology is used for this research?
The author employs a structured, systematic literature review methodology, following established academic standards (e.g., Webster & Watson, 2002) to identify, select, and analyze 210 relevant research articles from eight top-tier IS journals.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main part of the paper consists of a detailed examination of findings across six defined dimensions (age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation), followed by a discussion on research gaps and clear propositions for future academic inquiry.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Digital diversity, Information Systems, Systematic literature review, Diversity dimensions, Digital inclusion, and Digital divide.
Why is research on gender diversity in the IT workforce particularly emphasized?
The review identifies that gender imbalance in the IT sector is a recurring research topic, highlighting persistent challenges and the need for strategies to promote equality and inclusivity in professional environments.
How does this study contribute to the discussion on digital diversity?
It provides a comprehensive, structured overview of existing research, highlights which demographic groups (like the elderly, religious minorities, or the LGBT community) are currently underserved in literature, and advocates for more inclusive system development practices.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Christian Dordel (Autor:in), 2024, Digital Diversity Research in Information Systems (IS). A Systematic Literature Review, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1522702
