An Analysis of the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) Approach in the Field of IS Management

In defining the scope of a new research project, both early stage and experienced researchers can significantly benefit from identifying well-executed literature reviews that have been published in their chosen field of study. Such a review highlights the 'state of play' in the area of interest by bringing together disparate streams of research and presenting a synthesis of the accumulated body of knowledge. Thus, it establishes a foundation from which knowledge can be advanced. Because the literature review can also highlight emerging issues and key knowledge gaps in a specific field, it can identify opportunities for other researchers to make a novel contribution and thereby guide the direction of their research in extending current theories or developing new ones. However, in the field of IS management, the publication of literature review articles is low. This is because writing and publishing a literature review is challenging. Firstly, authors are faced with the difficulties in delineating the scope/boundaries of the literature review in a field which is in essence interdisciplinary, and systematically identifying, analysing, and synthesising the plethora of existing research in order to provide a relatively complete census of the existing body of knowledge. Structuring the review around the core concepts uncovered in the literature, presenting it in a coherent, logical, and engaging manner, and simultaneously ensuring the literature review highlights a clear contribution present further challenges. In addition, literature review authors will possibly undergo a more lengthy paper review and revision cycle, which may explain lower rates of publication. This paper outlines the adoption of a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach in the field of IS management. Based on the insights gained from this approach, the paper evaluates the benefits realised and challenges encountered, and further outlines guidance for researchers who adopt the SLR approach in future studies.