Application Of Grounded Theory Method In Information Systems Research: Methodological And Practical Issues

Abstract

This paper argues that the grounded theory method (GTM) is a positivist-oriented research method from a methodological standpoint. It argues that following the systematic procedures, principles, and mechanism of conducting the research and creating knowledge and theories, and the unavoidable influence of the literature, places GTM under the umbrella of the positivist paradigm. It also sheds some light on practical issues that information systems (IS) researchers face when applying GTM such as applying theoretical sampling and coding in GTM, concerns of presenting GTM data, and the politics of applying GTM. These issues, which are methodological in nature, and their implications will also be discussed.