Case Study and Grounded Theory: Sharing Some Alternative Qualitative Research Methodologies with Systems Professionals

Tensions in practitioner research are endemic and inescapable but if these tensions are embraced rather than avoided, they can often provide access to useful energy and sensitivity, which in turn can be used to inform practice. Systems research professionals adopt a wide platform of research methodologies when they engage in research projects. These research methodologies range from the use of systems computer simulation models to highly developed quantitative statistical models. Some systems researches have engaged the full gamut of qualitative methodologies and others have adopted the soft systems approach. The aim of this paper is to review two methodologies that are available to systems researchers and practitioners and to analyse the effectiveness of these methodologies in gaining valid and reliable research outcomes. The paper will focus on the use of case study and grounded theory as possible methodologies for systems researchers to consider for future research projects. Both methodologies have been successfully used by the authors to gain cultural change in organisations striving to become learning organisations.