Using Grounded Theory Method in Information Systems: The Researcher as Blank Slate and Other Myths

The use of grounded theory method (GTM) as a research method in information systems (IS) has gradually increased over the years as qualitative research in general has become more prevalent. The method offers a systematic way to generate theory from data, but is rarely used to its full potential in I...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of information technology Vol. 28; no. 3; pp. 224 - 236
Main Authors Urquhart, Cathy, Fernández, Walter
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London, England SAGE Publications 01.09.2013
Palgrave Macmillan UK
Palgrave Macmillan
Sage Publications Ltd
Subjects
Business and Management
Business Information Systems
Data analysis
Exact sciences and technology
Grounded theory
Information and communication sciences
Information science. Documentation
Information systems
Information Systems and Communication Service
Information technology
Innovation/Technology Management
Library and information science. General aspects
Management
Research Article
Research methodology
Research methods
Researchers
Sciences and techniques of general use
Sociology
Studies
Subject fields
research methods
grounded theory
qualitative research
Research worker
Information system
Theory
Use
Qualitative analysis
Method
Research
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Summary:The use of grounded theory method (GTM) as a research method in information systems (IS) has gradually increased over the years as qualitative research in general has become more prevalent. The method offers a systematic way to generate theory from data, but is rarely used to its full potential in IS as a number of myths and misunderstandings about GTM prevent researchers from getting the full potential out of the method. To address this problem, we advance the general level of knowledge of GTM. We clarify aspects of the method that are often misunderstood by novice users or casual observers and provide guidance to address common problems. Exemplars from the IS literature are used to illustrate the concepts and to promote the informed use of the methodology. By doing so, this paper will contribute to improving the use of the method and to the quality and dissemination of grounded theory research outcomes.
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ISSN:0268-3962
1466-4437
DOI:10.1057/jit.2012.34