Institutional Logics: The Next Big Challenge for Information Systems Cross-Cultural Research?

While there is continued interest in traditional culture studies in global IS research, the theoretical foundation of culture studies is shifting to the newer Theory of Institutional Logics. Institutional Logics are socially constructed, historical patterns of both symbolic systems (i. e., culture) and material practices that legitimize social order. Typical institutions include family, religion, the state, the market, professions, community, and the corporation. This article unpacks the definition of Institutional Logics in order to provide an introduction to the theory and providesmethodological guidelines in pursuing this type of research. It also provides suggestions for areas of future global research in IS. A call is made for further research in IS using the Theory of Institutional Logics in order to address the predominantly Western-centric point of view in IS research.