conducting research on partially inaccessible subjects

Abstract

Empirical research which is prized in IS research probably than any other research methodology requires data. However obtaining data sufficiently is often a daunting task and research itself can be hindered due to the difficulty in acquiring empirical data. The most difficult part of it should be getting people to express its mind either in a questionnaire or colloquial manner. Without any incentive such as monetary compensation or other forms of enticing the subjects, researchers often have to endure less 2% response rate of their survey. However we are still assuming that with hard work, we will be able to collect data from the subjects quantitatively or qualitatively. There could be an exception to this rule. To obtain empirical data from human subjects of a country can be almost impossible due to lack of freedom of expression. How can a researcher conduct an interview or a survey with subjects who are not allowed to speak their own opinions? Even though there are a few countries on earth remaining in such a status, it is still interesting to ponder as an international IS researcher. International or cross-cultural IS research usually refers to finding novel phenomenon which is unique to a region or a country in the context of IS practice or development or etc. For example, if a researcher is to conduct research on application of Internet on North Korea and interested in how people in North Korea utilize Internet on social communications. The normal way to conduct this kind of research is to just meet these people and interview or do survey them on their opinions. But North Korea which is the most tightly controlled nation in the world wouldn`t allow their citizens to interact with foreign scholars. With this kind of hardship, what a researcher can do is what this article is about. First of all, the use of secondary data must be admitted as more legitimate research data when this kind of research was conducted. For example, interviews conducted by visitors to North Korea who can be judged unbiased should be allowed be to be used in an academic IS research papers. Especially South Korean academics who visited North Korea might provide valuable insight in how Internet is used and perceived by North Koreans. Even though their observations are not formal interviews, one has to find hidden meanings and nuances from observations. Second, more theoretical analysis should be used to understand and analyze the unique phenomenon since at least theories on actor-network, structuration, and critical social theory are assumed to be utilized universally. Thus accepting these theories for understanding of a closed and oppressed society in IS field will help international IS researchers to find a publication outlet.