January 2014
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In this study, we investigate levels of analysis employed in IS qualitative research. Five years of IS literature reviewed yields patterns across research activities supporting the multilevel nature of IS research settings. While level issues have been discussed in the context of quantitative research, this study specifically addresses the previously unexplored area of qualitative IS research. We put forth that qualitative research is also susceptible to issues regarding level specification. We illustrate the multilevel nature of IS qualitative research. We specifically highlight the analysis level conformity of research activities with the inferences of the research. We urge researchers to be sensitive to level-related issues in order to produce more rigorous IS qualitative research.