Case Studies And Grounded Theory Method In Information Systems Research: Issues And Use

Abstract

Information systems (IS) are a hybrid of information technology, procedures and people in organizations. The Grounded Theory Method (GTM) was at its inception explicitly developed for research about the interactions of individual human actors in predominantly social settings. Therefore, applying the method to IS research-where organizational cases are often a dominant unit of analysis-requires both an extension of the method and a wider interpretation of its guidelines. This research note discusses these issues and suggests an extended process of analysis of case-based data in line with traditional GTM canons.

Keywords:

• grounded theory method
• case studies
• information systems research
• socio- technical studies

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Walter D. Fernandez

Dr Walter Fernandez is Associate Professor and Co-Director of the National Centre for Information Systems Research at the College of Business and Economics, the Australian National University. Since 1998 Walter has been managing and/or researching multimillion-dollar, highly complex projects involving multiple firms and multiple teams. Dr Fernandez’s research focus include: management of major interorganizational and interdisciplinary projects, managing conflict and complexity in major projects and achieving value from ICT investments. Dr Fernandez is an expert on grounded theory methodology; he continuously uses the method in his research and has delivered GTM seminars and workshops in Australasia, Europe and North America. He is the Inaugural Chair of the Association of Information Systems Special Interest Group on Grounded Theory Methodology.

Hans Lehmann

Hans Lehmann Hans Lehmann is the Associate Professor for Information Systems and Electronic Business at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. After 25 years of business experience with information technology, both in line management and as a consultant with Deloitte’s in continental Europe, Africa, the United Kingdom, North America and Australasia Hans changed careers and joined the University of Auckland, New Zealand in 1991. He then focused his research on the strategic management of global information technology, using the grounded Theory methodology of qualitative research. Hans has since taught this method in numerous courses and also in staff and students’ seminars internationally - often together with Walter Fernandez. In 2003 he moved to Victoria where he teaches research methodology to post- graduate students and strategic information technology management at the post-experience level. Hans’ own research focuses on the use of mobile technology and on the phenomenon of mobility in business.