Grounded Theory in Practice and Learning: Reflexivity and Innovative Approaches for Modern Qualitative Studies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64420/ijitl.v3i2.422Keywords:
Grounded theory, Practice and learning, Reflexivity and innovative approaches, Modern qualitative studiesAbstract
Background: Grounded theory remains a foundational qualitative methodology for generating theories from empirical data; however, researchers frequently face challenges regarding paradigmatic variations, literature management, and analytical rigor. Objective: This study synthesizes seminal and contemporary literature to clarify core methodological choices, structural tensions, and emerging digital adaptations in grounded theory practice. Method: A comprehensive synthesis of scholarly literature was conducted, examining methodological divergences between Glaserian, Straussian, and constructivist frameworks alongside innovative extensions such as netnography. Results: The analysis highlights critical operational choices in coding procedures, theoretical sampling, literature review timing, and the integration of digital data environments. Researcher positionality and reflexivity emerge as essential mechanisms for maintaining trustworthiness throughout analysis. Conclusion: Embracing methodological pluralism and reflexive documentation enhances transparency and theoretical depth, equipping qualitative researchers to develop rigorous, contextually meaningful theories. Contribution: This study contributes an integrative conceptual framework bridging traditional grounded theory traditions, reflexive practice, and netnographic inquiry. This provides a practical pedagogical guide for operationalizing reflexivity and maintaining methodological transparency when analyzing digitally mediated social interactions.
References
Ahmed, S. K., Mohammed, R. A., Nashwan, A. J., Ibrahim, R. H., Abdalla, A. Q., Ameen, B. M. and Khidhir, R. M. (2025). Using thematic analysis in qualitative research. Journal of Medicine Surgery and Public Health, 6, 100198–100198. pp. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100198
Alammar, F. M., Intezari, A., Cardow, A., & Pauleen, D. J. (2019). Grounded theory in practice: Novice researchers’ choice between Straussian and Glaserian. Journal of Management Inquiry. https://doi.org/10.1177/1056492618770743
Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2015). Grounded theory: A practical guide (2nd ed.). Sage.
Bryant, A., & Charmaz, K. (2007). The Sage handbook of grounded theory. Sage Publications.
Carcary, M. (2021). The Research Audit Trail: Methodological Guidance for Application in Practice. The Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.34190/jbrm.18.2.008
Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. Sage Publications.
Charmaz, K., & Thornberg, R. (2020). The pursuit of quality in grounded theory. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 17(3), 305–327. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2020.1780357
Clarke, A. E. (2005). Situational analysis: Grounded theory after the postmodern turn. Sage. Dunne, C. (2011). The place of the literature review in grounded theory research. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 14(2), 111–124. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2010.494930
Coker, D. C. (2026). Rigor, Trustworthiness, and Credibility in Qualitative Research: The Qualitative Forensic Audit Trail Tool—Artificial Intelligence (QFATT-AI). International Research in Education, 14(1), 21–21. pp. https://doi.org/10.5296/ire.v14i1.23507
Cullen, M. M. and Brennan, N. (2021). Grounded Theory: Description, Divergences and Application. Accounting Finance & Governance Review/Accounting Finance & Governance Review, 27. https://doi.org/10.52399/001c.22173
Dunne, C., & Üstündağ, B. G. (2020). Successfully managing the literature review and write-up process when using grounded theory methodology: A dialogue in exploration. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 21(1), Article 18. https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-21.1.3338
Foley, G. and Timonen, V. (2014). Using Grounded Theory Method to Capture and Analyze Health Care Experiences. Health Services Research, 50(4), 1195–1210. pp. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.12275
Fram, S. (2015). The Constant Comparative Analysis Method Outside of Grounded Theory. The Qualitative Report. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2013.1569
Giles, T., King, L. and Lacey, S. de. (2013). The Timing of the Literature Review in Grounded Theory Research. Advances in Nursing Science, 36(2). https://doi.org/10.1097/ans.0b013e3182902035
Glaser, B. G. (1978). Theoretical sensitivity: Advances in the methodology of grounded theory. Sociology Press. Glaser, B. G. (1992). Basics of grounded theory analysis. Sociology Press.
Hoda, R. (2021). Socio-Technical Grounded Theory for Software Engineering. arXiv (Cornell University), 48(10), 3808–3832. pp. https://doi.org/10.1109/tse.2021.3106280
Hussein, M. E., Kennedy, A. and Oliver, B. (2017). Grounded Theory and the Conundrum of Literature Review: Framework for Novice Researchers. The Qualitative Report. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2017.2661
Kalpokaite, N. and Radivojevic, I. (2019). Demystifying Qualitative Data Analysis for Novice Qualitative Researchers. NSUWorks (Nova Southeastern University). https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2019.4120
Kozinets, R. V. (2019). Netnography: The essential guide to qualitative social media research. Sage. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003001430-2
Lester, J. N., Cho, Y. and Lochmiller, C. R. (2020). Learning to Do Qualitative Data Analysis: A Starting Point. Human Resource Development Review, 19(1), 94–106. pp. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484320903890
Markham, A. (2017). Reflexivity: Some techniques for interpretive researchers. Qualitative Inquiry. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1077800417695151
Mruck, K., & Mey, G. (2019). Grounded theory and self-reflexivity in the qualitative research process. In A. Bryant & K. Charmaz (Eds.), The Sage handbook of current developments in grounded theory (pp. 470–495). Sage.
Nathaniel, A. K. (2022). When and How to Use Extant Literature in Classic Grounded Theory. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 6(2), 45–59. pp. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/12441
Oliver, C. (2011). Critical realist grounded theory: An innovative approach for social work research. British Journal of Social Work, 42(2), 371–387. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcr064
Paavilainen‐Mäntymäki, E. and Plakoyiannaki, E. (2025). Enhancing qualitative research in international business: challenges and best practices from fieldwork to publication. Critical Perspectives on International Business, 21(5), 708–723. pp. https://doi.org/10.1108/cpoib-04-2025-0103
Probst, B. (2015). The eye regards itself: Benefits and challenges of reflexivity in qualitative social work research. Social Work Research, 39(1), 5–16. https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/svu028
Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. Sage.
Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1998). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. Sage Publications.
Thornberg, R. (2011). Informed Grounded Theory. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 56(3), 243–259. pp. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2011.581686
Urquhart, C. (2013). Grounded theory for qualitative research. Sage Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781526402196
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Michael Mncedisi Willie
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: (1) License & Copyright: Authors retain full copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication. The work is simultaneously licensed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License, which allows others to share and adapt the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided proper credit is given and derivative works are shared under the same license. (2) Secondary Distribution: Authors may enter into separate, non-exclusive contractual arrangements for the distribution of the journal's published version (e.g., institutional repositories or book chapters), acknowledging its initial publication in this journal. (3) Self-Archiving: Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or personal websites) prior to and during the submission process.
