A Multi-Paradigm Approach to Grounded Theory

Advances in Library and Information Science, 2020

This chapter challenges information management researchers to employ the grounded theory research approach as it is detailed, rigorous, systematic, and flexible. The approach also permits researchers to go beyond the conventional thinking by allowing the emergence of new conceptual models, theories, and framework(s) on the subject under investigation. The chapter provides a discourse on the key features of grounded theory and the two fundamental schools of grounded theory. The overall aim of the chapter is to explain the applicability and rationale of grounded theory in researching information centres. As such, the chapter discusses the perceived challenges of using grounded theory, debates the place of literature in a grounded theory study, and explores the issues of research population, sampling, and sample size in a grounded theory research. Other essential aspects discussed in the chapter are the concepts of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The ch...

This chapter aims to elaborate different research methods that can be employed in organizational studies. Since the complex and indivisible relationships between the constructs and nature of the social content about the phenomena can be understood better through qualitative methods, importance of qualitative investigation is mentioned and a detailed explanation of grounded theory data analysis as a qualitative method is provided. Grounded Theory mainly suggests that theory can be discovered in qualitative data. The theory employs a specific method that follows symbolic interactionism in viewing humans as active agents in their own lives who create meaning in the processes of action and interaction. Grounded Theory which deems researchers as active participants in the construction of knowledge leading to generation of theory has been used in organizational research widely. Therefore, the chapter also offers an example of the application of grounded theory by using several extracts from the sample transcripts of interviewees.

Organizational Research Methods, 2008

The authors discuss the determination of quality in studies using grounded theory method (GTM). They concretely describe some misunderstandings associated with GTM and some malaises experienced with its orthodox application, drawing primarily on their own research experience and supporting their discussion with evidence from other researchers. They then confront their experience with current critical GTM literature and offer some observations of their own. The authors describe how the very strengths of GTM run the risk of being undermined-and thus the quality of such research impaired-by an overly orthodox application of its rigorous objectification procedures. Therefore, they offer some pragmatic remedial suggestions. The authors conclude by calling for the continuing use of GTM in some of its newer forms and by reflecting on the importance of the process surrounding the use of the method, particularly in doctoral research.

Organizational Research Methods, 2012

The grounded theory method (GT) remains elusive and misunderstood by many-even those who advocate its use. In practice, many research studies cite the use of GT but merely apply certain a la carte aspects or jargon of the method while not actually incorporating the fundamental principles of the methodology. Consequently, the purpose of this article is fourfold: (a) to demystify the key tenets of GT, (b) to discuss the problematic impacts of adopting an a la carte approach to GT, (c) to draw attention to GT as a rigorous method for business research, and (d) to advocate for the increased use of GT by more researchers where appropriate. Throughout the article, the authors use the example of a recently completed GT study by the lead author to highlight the multiple dimensions of GT and how they all work together. Keywords grounded theory, qualitative research, interpretive paradigms, business research methods, methodology ''New discoveries are always the result of high-risk expeditions into unknown territory. Darwin, Columbus, and Freud, each in different ways, were conducting qualitative inquiries'' (Suddaby, 2006, p. 633). One type of qualitative inquiry is the grounded theory method (GT), which involves the discovery of theory from data (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). The term grounded theory is typically used to label a specific mode of qualitative inquiry and the resultant product(s) of that inquiry. In GT studies, the discovery of theory from data is accomplished by systematically discovering,

This paper is a discussion on the practical issues faced by Information Systems professionals when they employ Grounded Theory Method (GTM) in Information Systems research. Various strands of GTM are derived from the grand GTM proposed by Glaser and Strauss in 1967. Starting with the dicta proposed by these two authors in 1967 on the use of GTM, the paper explores several variants of the method that have surfaced and are currently in use. The proponents of GTM had dicta on the use of theory (hypothesis), use of research questions, use of literature in the substantive area of research and data-gathering methods. This paper will explore ways on how these dicta are used when researchers undertake a study in an area of their expertise. This discussion is intended to serve as a guide for novice researchers who intend to use GTM for their Masters or Doctoral research studies as well as for people using the method for the first time. It challenges researchers to reflect always on espoused research methods versus research methods in use. Lastly, some quality aspects of GTM research that will ensure acceptance of the inductively generated theory to a scholarly discipline are proposed. several variants of the method that have surfaced and are currently in use. The proponents of GTM had dicta on the use of theory (hypothesis), use of research questions, use of literature in the substantive area of research and data-gathering methods. This paper will explore ways on how these dicta are used when researchers undertake a study in an area of their expertise.