Do Procedure Models Actually Guide Maturity Model Design? A Citation Analysis

Abstract

More than a decade ago, guidelines for the development of maturity models were proposed in the form of procedure models. In theory, such procedure models provide scholars with guidance, but does the scientific community actually use them according to their intended purpose. This paper conducts a citation analysis and identifies an impressive number of citations. However, it is noteworthy that the publications are mainly cited for other reasons, such as the components or the general purposes of maturity models. The analysis also provides indications that many maturity models are developed without using a procedure model. Despite the fact that methodological rigor is considered a crucial criterion for publishing articles, maturity model designers might have concerns about using domain-specific procedure models. Future studies should address the reasons for this reluctance.