Developing Theories in Information Systems Research - The Grounded Theory Method Applied
2, New York, NY, USA: Springer, (2011)Abstract
Scientific work depends on a foundation of strong and robust theories to guide the process of scientific discovery. Theories are paramount for the understanding, description, and prediction of phenomena studies in the field. In information systems research (ISR), however, only few domain-specific theories have emerged from that last decades of scientific work. To help researchers answer the call for more IS-specific theoretical work, this chapter introduces the Grounded Theory Method (GTM) as one approach to conceptual, theory generating work that extends our understanding beyond the use of grand theories from adjacent disciplines. Based on a brief historical overview, the chapter shows some particularities of ISR and how GTM can be used to address them. It introduces the general process of GTM-based studies and shows how theories emerge ground observations grounded in the field. Afterwards, the chapter shows some of the often rather small and substantive theories in IS can mature towards grand theories using the GTM approach. The ability to frame our research results in a theoretical way is important to build a cumulative research tradition in IS. This will not only help to gradually extend our understanding of relevant phenomena, but will also allow for advances in the discipline search for domain identity and in our race for credibility with the adjacent disciplines.