A Contemporary Look at Methodological Shifts and Publication Trends in the Business Informatics Community

Abstract This study explores recent trends in the adoption of research methods and publication practices within the Business Informatics (Wirtschaftsinformatik, WI) community in German-speaking countries, taking into account the various research paradigms in the Information Systems (IS) discipline. A scientometric analysis of more than 1,800 peer-reviewed journal articles by WI professors from 2010 to 2020 reveals two key findings. First, research methods from positivist, interpretive, and constructivist paradigms have been adopted in a balanced manner, reflecting progress and maturity within the WI community. Second, a trend toward increased publication in international IS journals was observed, with constructivist research notably well represented. These findings indicate a growing presence of the WI community in international IS journals while maintaining methodological diversity.