Theory Building for ICT4D: The Use of Theory Triangulation in Case Study Research

The dominance of case study methods in ICT for Development (ICT4D) research presents challenges in comparing findings across studies for the purpose of theory building. This paper addresses this issue by outlining a method in theory triangulation as a way to systemize case study research across multiple cases in ICT4D. Three approaches to social development outlined by Hall and Midgley are used to provide contrasting theoretical perspectives on development. These are: Populist, Enterprise and Statist. The application of these three contrasting perspectives using theory triangulation is demonstrated in the analysis of multiple case studies taken from a community technology centers (CTC) program in Australia.