ACM SIGMIS Computers and People Research 2024

Trust and Legitimacy in Emerging Technologies: Organizational & Societal Implications for People, Places and Power

Location: Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
Date: May 29-June 1, 2024

More details at our conference website: https://sigmis.org/cpr/

Link for submissions: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=sigmiscpr2024 

Important Dates for Academic Papers, Posters, Panels
Submissions open: December 1, 2023
Submissions deadline: February 5, 2024
Notification of acceptance: March 8, 2024
Camera-ready version: April 19, 2024

Important Dates for Doctoral Consortium
Submission deadline: March 5, 2024
Notification of acceptance: April 8, 2024
Camera-ready version: April 19, 2024

For close to 60 years, ACM SIGMIS Computers and People Research (CPR) conference has engaged the academic and practitioner communities in understanding issues pertaining to the intersection of information technology (IT) and people. From its roots in the studies of the IT workforce, CPR has broadened its focus to investigate all aspects of this important and complex relationship.

The exponential progress of technology has created the need to address bias and bias mitigation in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Metaverse, Datafication, Quantum Computing. While these technologies are transformative, they can perpetuate social inequalities. Effective methods for measuring and mitigating algorithmic bias are crucial, as well as promoting the use of diverse and inclusive data sets. Furthermore, the evolving field of IT poses challenges and opportunities for the workforce, requiring identification of emerging skill sets and strategies for creating inclusive work environments. Research should also focus on understanding the ethical implications and developing policies for a just transition. How can we ensure a fair and inclusive integration of emerging technologies in various domains while mitigating bias and empowering the workforce?

SIGMIS CPR 2024 calls for attention and concerted research in three key areas, including: (1) Addressing issues of bias and bias mitigation in emerging technologies; (2) Embracing alternative approaches in conducting IS research; (3) New challenges and opportunities facing the IT workforce. The three areas with sample questions are described below.

(1) Addressing issues of bias and bias mitigation in emerging technologies
Emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, have the potential to significantly impact various aspects of society. However, these technologies are not immune to biases, which can perpetuate and exacerbate social inequalities. Given the growing reliance on algorithms and automated decision-making systems, it is crucial to thoroughly understand and mitigate bias in these technologies. More research is needed to develop effective methods for measuring and identifying algorithmic bias, as well as to explore strategies and techniques for bias mitigation. Additionally, promoting the use of diverse and inclusive data sets can help reduce bias, but there is a need to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing such approaches. Broad research questions supporting these lines of inquiry include: What are the characteristics of algorithmic bias (AB)? What strategies and techniques show promise in effectively measuring and reducing AB? How can the use of diverse and inclusive data sets be promoted to minimize bias in emerging technologies?

(2) Embracing alternative approaches in conducting IS research
Traditional approaches to conducting information systems (IS) research may not sufficiently address complex societal issues and power dynamics. Alternative theoretical frameworks, such as decolonial theory, emancipatory approaches, and critical theoretical and methodological frameworks, offer valuable perspectives and methodologies to investigate and challenge dominant narratives and structures in IS research. These alternative approaches prioritize inclusivity, social justice, and empowerment, and can provide a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of emerging technologies. More research is needed to explore the characteristics, benefits, and practical applications of these alternative approaches. Potentially valuable areas of investigation include answers to the following questions: What are the characteristics and benefits of alternative research approaches in IS, such as participatory action research or critical theory? How can interdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies be integrated into IS research? What are the challenges and strategies for adopting alternative approaches in IS research?

(3) New challenges and opportunities facing the IT workforce
The evolution of information technology (IT) present both challenges and opportunities for the IT workforce. As technology advances, there is a need to identify and develop the emerging skill sets and competencies required for IT professionals to thrive in the changing landscape in a responsible way. Additionally, diversity, equity, and inclusion play crucial roles in the performance and well-being of IT professionals, and organizations need strategies to create inclusive work environments that foster innovation and collaboration. Furthermore, emerging technologies raise ethical implications for the IT workforce, such as job automation and the displacement of workers. Research is needed to understand these challenges and opportunities, develop effective policies and practices for a just transition, and ensure that the IT workforce is prepared for the evolving demands of the industry. Valuable contributions to the field may be made by addressing questions such as: What are the emerging skill sets, and competencies required for IT professionals in the evolving technological landscape? How do diversity, equity, and inclusion affect the performance and well-being of IT professionals, and what strategies promote responsible and inclusive work environments? What are the ethical implications of emerging technologies on the IT workforce, and how can negative consequences be mitigated for a just transition?

At the same time, papers on traditional IT workforce topics pertaining to personnel, training, workforce, and leadership are also most welcome.

Format of Submissions

ACM SIGMIS CPR 2024 welcomes both completed papers and research-in-progress papers. All papers must be original, unpublished elsewhere, and submitted following the ACM guidelines available at
https://www.acm.org/publications/gi-proceedings-current. All reviewing will be double-blind. 

● Completed papers may include conceptual papers, empirical papers, and industry case studies. They must not exceed 5,000 words including all text, figures, and tables. The abstract, keywords, and references are excluded from this page count.
● Research-in-progress papers must not exceed 2,000 words including all text, figures, and tables. The abstract, keywords, and references are excluded from this page count.
● Poster presentations must not exceed 500 words and should provide a comprehensive overview of the topic, research approach, findings to date (if any) and future project plans.
● Panels. Ideas for interesting panels related to the conference theme should be submitted directly to the program chairs.

Submit your work using the system at the following link:

  • Link for submissions: xxxx TBA xxxx

Our conference also offers a comprehensive Doctoral Consortium for students who are conducting research on a topic related to the conference theme or to the broad focus of the CPR conference on understanding issues pertaining to the intersection of information technology and people. Please visit our website for more details.

Proceedings and Presentations

Accepted papers will be published by ACM in the refereed conference proceedings. Authors of accepted papers may choose to publish complete papers or extended abstracts of their research in the conference proceedings. Authorship may not be changed after the paper was accepted. All completed research papers to be published in the conference proceedings will be considered for the Magid Igbaria Outstanding Conference Paper of the Year Award. The Magid Igbaria Outstanding Conference Paper and other exemplar papers will be invited for publication in the DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems—the quarterly journal publication of ACM SIGMIS.

Each paper must be presented during the conference. Articles will not be published in the event proceedings if at least one author of a submitted work is not registered or is unable to present their article at the conference.

AUTHORS TAKE NOTE: The official publication date is the date the proceedings are made available in the ACM Digital Library. This date may be up to two weeks before the first day of your conference. The official publication date affects the deadline for any patent filings related to published work. (For those rare conferences whose proceedings are published in the ACM Digital Library after the conference is over, the official publication date remains the first day of the conference.)

Proceedings of all previous CPR conferences are available in the ACM Digital Library at:
http://portal.acm.org/dl.cfm