Research track that this minitrack belongs to: Philosophy track
Abstract and Brief Topic:
The philosopher Kant noted that to ignore theory is as ridiculous and as dangerous as an artillery soldier ignoring the theory behind ballistics by giving the reason that in practice, theories don’t work. This philosophical stance was behind Kurt Lewin’s aphorism that “there is nothing as practical as a good theory”. In this spirit, this minitrack invites contributions that examine the relationship between theory and practice in Information Systems (IS). Specifically, it aims to explore how IS theory both informs and is informed by practice as well as how this interplay can help the field rationalize, explain and master current and upcoming technological disruptions. Authors are free to draw from any philosophical tradition, including the rich corpus of research in practice and the philosophy of practice, as we encourage reflections on how the IS field can leverage the unique bond between theory and practice to foster theoretical and practical contributions.
Full Call for Papers:
The philosopher Kant noted that to ignore theory is as ridiculous and as dangerous as an engineer ignoring general mechanics or an artillery soldier ignoring the theory behind ballistics by giving the reason that in practice, theories don’t work. This philosophical stance underpins Kurt Lewin’s enduring aphorism: “There is nothing as practical as a good theory”.
In this spirit, this minitrack invites contributions that examine the dynamic relationship that exists between theory and practice in Information Systems (IS). More precisely, it aims to explore how IS theory both informs and is informed by practice, and how this interplay can help the field rationalize, explain and master current and upcoming technological disruptions.
Authors are free to draw from any philosophical tradition, including the rich corpus of research in practice and the philosophy of practice such as Schatzki’s practice turn, Bourdieu’s theory of practice, Deleuze and Guattari’s assemblages of situated and material activities, Wenger’s communities of practice, and Bachelard’s phenomeno-technology (which integrates theory and practice). We encourage a reflection on how the IS field can leverage the unique bond between theory and practice to foster both theoretical and practical contributions.
This minitrack thus seeks works that highlight not only the importance of IS practice, but also the close relationship between practice and theory. Topics relevant for submissions include, but are not limited to:
• Historical and philosophical perspectives on the theory-practice divide in IS
• Revisiting the theory-practice gap: causes, consequences, and ways forward
• The evolution of IS as a practice-informed discipline
• Philosophical and theoretical foundations of IS practices
• Balancing academic rigor and practical relevance in IS research
• Translating theoretical insights into actionable IS interventions
• Bridging theory and practice in traditional and emerging IS domains (e.g., AI, sustainability, platform ecosystems)
• The practical impacts of IS theories on individuals, organizations and society
• Analyzing and evaluating the utility of IS research outcomes
• Knowledge co-creation between academics and practitioners in IS research
• The role of practice in shaping and testing IS theories
Key dates:
• January 8, 2026: Manuscript submissions begin
• March 1, 2026: Submissions are due at 17:00 PT (Reno, Nevada)
• May 8, 2026: TREO, PDS, workshop, and panel submissions are due at 17:00 PT (Reno, Nevada)
For additional information, please contact the co-chairs:
Philippe Marchildon (Primary contact)
École des Science de la Gestion
Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
Email: marchildon.philippe@uqam.ca
Pierre Hadaya
École des Science de la Gestion
Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
Email: hadaya.pierre@uqam.ca
Short bio-sketch of minitrack chair and co-chair(s):
Philippe Marchildon, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the School of Management of Université du Québec à Montréal where he is the director of graduate programs in information technology. His research focuses on theory, theorizing, paradigms and making theoretical contributions as well as understanding the influence of the past on present and future behaviors (at the individual and organizational levels). Mr. Marchildon is also engaged in developing teaching content that brings theory and practice into the classroom through the case study and other methods.
Pierre Hadaya, Ph.D., ASC, is a full professor at the School of Management of the Université du Québec à Montréal. His research and teaching activities focus on strategic management, organizational transformation and its governance, the business architecture approach, and the strategic alignment of IT systems within organizations (including IT Enterprise Architecture). He also collaborates with organizations that want to transform themselves to develop a competitive advantage.