The role of theory adaptation in the making of a reference discipline

• We examine how information systems scholars have adapted the theory of sensemaking.
• We examine if a particular way of adapting and using theory create more citation outside the IS discipline.
• We discuss the implications of the manner in which IS scholars adapt and use theory for IS to become a reference discipline.
• We suggest that more informed use of theory is important in being or becoming a reference discipline.

Information Systems (IS) scholars repeatedly debate the nature of the IS discipline. A series of articles have debated whether the IS field has become a reference discipline. While many scholars have argued this question from a perceptual point of view, we address it by examining the role of theory adaptation in the making of a reference discipline. Based on a review of how the sensemaking theory from organization studies is adapted and used in IS research, we show that papers that adapt and use sensemaking theory as a central construct in the theoretical framework – in other words – engaging in theory adaptation, have a higher probability of being referenced by other disciplines. Finally, we discuss the implications of the manner in which IS scholars borrow theory regarding the IS discipline's prospects of becoming a reference discipline.