Hermeneutics in Information Systems

The philosophical underpinnings of hermeneutics in this context are examined and a fourth approach based upon the work of Gadamer is developed, expected results of these four methods as tools to support requirements analysis in information systems projects are provided.

Abstract

Information systems often face unstructured environments where it is necessary to gain understanding of nebulously expressed content. This is the case not only theoretically, but also reflects the process of how managers have to cope with most decision environments. The philosophical underpinnings of hermeneutics in this context are examined. Hermeneutics in many forms has been used to interpret obscure contexts. There have been a number of such applications in information systems, which are reviewed. A fourth approach based upon the work of Gadamer is developed. Expected results of these four methods as tools to support requirements analysis in information systems projects are provided.