Increasing the rigor of grounded theory research – a review of the SCM literature

Abstract

Purpose -This study aims to examine the quality of the extant supply chain management (SCM) research which has utilized a grounded theory (GT) approach. The purpose of this research is to better understand the current state of the field, by introducing and highlighting the distinctions between the Glaserian and Straussian schools of thought and examining the extent to which existing SCM research has either complied with or diverged from the six dimensions which distinguish the two schools of thought. By doing so, it aims to provide guidelines to both reviewers and researchers who might use GT in future studies, with the goal of improving the validity and rigor of GT research. Design/methodology/approach -The method underlying this paper followed the steps of a systematic literature review process. GT works within leading SCM journals were examined to determine the extent to which they complied with the methodological tenets of GT. Findings -The systematic literature review shows that, while the use of GT in the field of SCM appears to be increasing over time, over half of the investigated studies deviate from the chosen school of thought by not adhering to the six dimensions distinct to Glaser's or Strauss's approach to GT. Research limitations/implications -This study calls for researchers to revisit the methodological roots of GT in order to improve the validity of such studies and ultimately the acceptance of the GT methodology by the broader community of SCM researchers. Transparency must be increased with regard to the chosen school of thought and the research process itself. GT is an appropriate methodology for investigating behavioral and social aspects of organizations and inter-organizational relationships, and thus should be utilized more frequently in future SCM research. Originality/value -The paper aids researchers in understanding the methodological tenets of grounded theory and the divergence of schools of thought within this methodology.

The non-adoption of supply chain management

“…Significantly, the core category emerges from the analysis and is not identified beforehand (Denk et al, 2012). Institutionalism and the over-arching theme of nonadoption emerged from the data as the core category, see figure 1.…”

“…Notably, the use of grounded theory as an approach to developing robust supply chain management theory features strongly within contemporary debates (Fredrik Nilsson, 2012;Gammelgaard and Flint, 2012;Manuj & Pohlen, 2012;Denk et al, 2012;Randall and Mello, 2012). Its use as a valid research approach with the necessary rigor is thus argued to be highly relevant in developing explanations for understanding the development and diffusion of supply chain management in construction.…”

“…In contrast to Glaser, a Straussian approach to grounded theory sanctions a degree of interpretative latitude and creativity (Denk et al, 2012). Whilst the research process adopted retains a clear focus on the phenomenon under scrutiny; namely supply chain management, some procedural steps in the research process may be and extant literature were drawn upon to inform and explore industry supply chain management demands and desires via orientation interviews.…”

“…Given the plurality of viewpoint frequently expressed, the question of process arguably raises a central and provocative investigative dilemma. The research process adopted in this context is defined by Corbin and Strauss (2008 p.96) To assist with the validation and rigour of the research process, six recognized methodological tenets of grounded theory; namely, emergence and researcher distance, theory development, coding procedures, specific / non-optional procedures, core category and evaluation criteria (Denk et al, 2012) have been addressed.…”

“…Ongoing theory building research within construction can also draw upon the research in this paper to reinforce and develop further substantive theory. The research here is thus argued to be only the starting point for developing theory and extending existing and novel research into the development and diffusion of supply chain management in construction Whilst grounded theory research originated from the work of both Glaser and Strauss (1967), there are now two schools of thought (Denk et al, 2012;Carter, 2012). The Straussian approach was adopted in this paper and involved significant iteration between data and literature.…”