Digital Diversity Research in Information Systems (IS). A Systematic Literature Review

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

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.