Adapting the Grounded Theory Method for Information Systems Research

Hans Lehmann
Victoria University of Wellington

Walter Fernandez
Australia National University

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     Last modified: August 21, 2007
     Presentation date: 11/19/2007 11:30 AM in RH MZ05
     (View Schedule)

Abstract
Information systems (IS) are a hybrid of information technology, procedures and people in organisations. The Grounded Theory Method (GTM) was at its inception explicitly developed for research about the interactions of individual human actors in predominantly social settings. Applying the method to IS research – where organisational cases are often a dominant unit of analysis - therefore requires an extension of the method and a wider interpretation of its guidelines. This paper analyses the issues and suggests an extended process in line with traditional GTM canons.