GRANDEUR OF THE GROUNDED THEORY: UNEARTHING THE UNIQUENESS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of grounded theory where the researchers can move to the field with an open mind. “Let the data emerge the theories” is the motto behind such a distinct approach. The researcher proposes the argument that grounded theory offers a unique approach in unearthing the rich patterns of behaviour that would otherwise have been hidden. A grounded theory is one that is inductively derived from the study of the phenomenon it represents. Developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967) and popular among many social scientists, it is “grounded” because it is related to, emerges out of, is created through, and grounded on empirical data. According to Sarantakos (1993), the centre of its interest is not collecting volumes of data but organizing the variety of thoughts and experiences that researcher gathers during the analysis of data. The researcher discusses the way to judge the “groundness” of a theory and the steps involved in a typical grounded theory approach. As the empirical component, the study on strategic orientation of HR managers in South Asia by Dharmasiri (2007) is critically evaluated in explaining how the grounded theory can be effectively used in management research. The researcher concludes that the grounded theory rises above other qualitative research approaches as a distinct way of exploring and interpreting reality.