Theory borrowing in emerging technology-oriented research contexts: on the example of blockchain technology

Abstract

Contemporary contexts are mainly characterized by the properties of emerging technologies. In theory borrowing, the assumptions and reasoning mechanisms of the original theory may not be realized in the contemporary context. Consequently, the propositions of the borrowed theory may become inconsistent under influence of the properties of the contemporary context. In this respect, the theory propositions cannot be used without considering the impact of new context properties. There are situations where the properties of emerging technologies may directly or indirectly affect theory borrowing. In this study, we develop a model for theory borrowing in contemporary contexts. The model is novel in its reliance on the most foundational components of the theory structure (i.e., assumptions and reasoning mechanisms) in relation to properties of emerging technologies. We articulate that if the properties of an emerging technology can realize the assumptions and reasoning mechanisms of a theory, borrowing the theory is appropriate in the contemporary context. Also, we consider developing the theory propositions to accommodate technological properties. The validity of our model is corroborated by evaluating 14 theories used in blockchain literature. The results of the thematic analysis show how contemporary contexts with blockchain properties realize the assumptions and reasoning mechanisms of 14 theories. Moreover, we show how the propositions of 14 theories can adapt to blockchain properties. Our model contributes to successful theory-driven designs of emerging technology-oriented research to increase the managerial relevance of their results. Finally, we present a decision matrix to inform the practice of theory borrowing for scholarly inquiries.