Using System Dynamics to Construct Design Theory for Community Information Systems

Abstract

Virtual communities are complex and evolving socio-technical systems. The design of community information systems requires much theoretical research to solve design problems. A design theory is a prescriptive theory which helps optimize design methods. Community IS design theory is still very young and fragmented, however. In the design theory development process, a mix of theory components is used to solve novel problems or existing problems more effectively and efficiently. We present a meta-model of IS development which focuses on the role of theory in IS design. We show how simulation via system dynamics could play an important role in a more systematic development of design theory for community information systems.