Grounded Theory Method

Lecturer Prof. Dr. Fred Niederman (Shaughnessy Chair of Management, Saint Louis University, USA)
Date 24/05 and 25/05/23
with classes at 9 am – 12 pm & 2 pm – 5 pm
Room/Address TU Dresden
Georg-Schumann-Bau (SCH B 37)
Seminar content The course will be delivered in two segments with the first segment delivered on day 1 and the second on day 2.
The first segment will emphasize conceptualization of grounded theory method. It will begin with its purpose, the major components, and some examples from the IS literature of what it has produced. Planning for the research activity will also be detailed.
The second segment will focus on three level coding procedures and include an opportunity for students to experience coding practice on de-identified transcripts. Following coding practice, students will experience integrating coding from multiple transcripts, production of second and third level coding and conceptualization of overall theory generation. The course will conclude with discussions of strategies for publication and recognition of some typical barriers and stumbling blocks. Emphasis will be on showing the contribution, dealing with only partly new results, the demands by reviewers for referencing pre-existing theory, implications for practice, and limitations disclosure.
There will be three mandatory reading assignments. Participants are expected to read the assigned articles prior to attending the seminar.
Preparation material Mandatory:
  • Day, J. M., Junglas, I., & Silva, L. (2009). Information Flow Impediments in Disaster Relief Supply Chains. [Article]. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 10(8), 637-660.
  • Zamani, E. D., Pouloudi, N., Giaglis George, M., & Wareham, J. (2022). Appropriating information technology artefacts through trial and error: The case of the tablet. Information Systems Frontiers, 24(1), 97-119. https://doi-org.ezp.slu.edu/10.1007/s10796-020-10067-8
  • Wiesche, Manuel, et al. „Grounded theory methodology in information systems research.“ MIS quarterly 41.3 (2017): 685-701.

Additional material:
  • Gregor, S. 2006. “The Nature of Theory in Information Systems,” MIS Quarterly (30:3), pp. 611–642.
  • Urquhart, C., Lehmann, H., and Myers, M. D. 2010. “Putting the ‘theory’ back into grounded theory: guidelines for grounded theory studies in information systems,” Information Systems Journal (20), pp. 357–381.

Deep background readings:
  • Glaser, B. G. and Strauss, A. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies of Qualitative Research (271 pages) – the parent of all grounded theory
  • Locke, K. (2000). Grounded Theory in Management Research (SAGE Series in Management Research) (160 pages) – a pragmatic view for business research
  • Charmaz, K (2006). Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis (224 pages) – an alternative perspective
Certificate Doctoral candidates from the Faculty of Business and Economics, TU Dresden can earn a certificate according to § 9 of the Ph.D. doctoral regulations (PromO 2018):
Doctoral candidates of Business Administration: § 9 (1) Nr. 5 or 6
Doctoral candidates of Business Information Systems: § 9 (1) Nr. 6
Doctoral candidates of Economics: § 9 (1) Nr. 6

Doctoral candidates from other universities can earn a certificate as well.
Assignment (1) Attend all classes
(2) Active participation in class and group discussions
(3) Read all mandatory reading assignments
Registration Participation is limited (max. 20). 
To register send an e-mail to Dr. Uta Schwarz: uta.schwarz@tu-dresden.de
Phone: +49 351 463-33141