Grounded theory methodology in IS research: Glaser vs Strauss

Abstract

Grounded Theory (GT), along with the surging interest in qualitative research, is becoming a popular research strategy in the Information Systems (IS) field. At the same time however, the method seems to be changing in its essence as researchers adapt it, use it alongside other methods, or rely on some of its principles in their quest to explain the world. The "modification" of such a method by researchers is not new, and is an integral part of the research process. Unfortu­nately, researchers sometimes misunderstand the basic principles of the method they use, adjust it so they can understand it, and then produce a result that is not what it is reported to be, or expected to be. This paper deals with a discussion of one such method, GT, which seems to be used in various ways in IS research. and very often not for the purpose it was intended. The paper presents a history of the development of the method, a discussion of the method, the divergence between the co-originators, and how the method has been used in IS research thus far. The emphasis in this paper is on the implications of the divergence between the co-originators. Sixteen papers found in IS research are evaluated for their use of GT.