Challenges of Multicultural Data Collection and Analysis: Experiences From the Health Information System Research

Authors

  • Reetta Raitoharju
  • Eeva Heiro
  • Ranjan Kini
  • Martin D'Cruz

Keywords:

multicultural data collection, information systems, health care professionals, interview, focus groups

Abstract

The effect of culture has been popular topic in recent information system research. However, it is not a simple task to either collect or analyze data containing elements of "culture". This paper presents previous literature on how to measure culture, the theoretical background how to build this construct and a short description of empirical study we conducted in a multicultural environment. Our research topic was to examine the usage of health information exchange systems in two different kinds of healthcare sectors (i.e. Finland and USA). Finally we reflect on our experiences both in collecting data as well as in analyzing it through the lenses of cultural differences. Strengths and weaknesses of multicultural data collection are discussed together with opportunities and threats of analyzing data with the purpose of finding cultural elements.

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Published

1 Dec 2009

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2009)

Section

Articles

License

Open Access Publishing

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