Integrating the Grounded Theory Method and Case Study Research Methodology Within IS Research: A Possible 'Road Map'

Grounded theory is used by many IS researchers. Sometimes they apply it as a method and sometimes they apply it as a methodology. This different application stems from the debate between Glaser and Strauss; the originators of this theory. Some IS research implies the simultaneous use of case study and grounded theory. However, no conceptual/theoretical research for IS researchers yet specifies how grounded theory can be used as a method to be embraced within an interpretive case study strategy, to define a research methodology. This paper is therefore written to help IS researchers who are considering the use of grounded theory as a data analysis method in a manner compatible with the case study strategy, by first justifying the use of Strauss’s approach in this integration and secondly showing how this integration might be