Structuration and social identity theories: qualitative methodologies for determining skills and competencies for the information profession in the 21st century.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore qualitative methodologies appropriate to a research project investigating the boundaries and scope of the information profession, with specific reference to the skills/knowledge base and concepts of “professionalism”.

Design/methodology/approach – Reviewed and critically evaluated here are social theory frameworks, focusing particularly on Structuration theory.

Findings – Strong Structuration Theory either singly or in combination with Social Identity Theory, appears to offer a sound methodology to explore concepts of change, conflict and professional identity, from both micro and macro perspectives.

Research limitations/implications – Strong Structuration Theory stands as a powerful tool in discovering reconstituted “boundaries along which professions can build new strategies of legitimisation” and remake themselves.

Originality/value – This review provides a critical evaluation of some of the current methodologies available to help define professional expertise.