GROUND: An Actionable Model for Overcoming Challenges in Grounded Theory

Stefan Cronholm; Ia Williamsson

doi:10.66815/ajqr/19169

Stefan Cronholm ¹ ^* , Ia Williamsson ¹

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 79-103

https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19169

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Abstract

Grounded Theory (GT) is widely used in Information Systems (IS) research, yet there are many challenges in following the methodology, particularly for novice researchers. While prior work has extensively described challenges, concrete and practice-oriented solutions remain underdeveloped. This study addresses this gap by conducting a structured literature review and an in-depth qualitative analysis of two empirical GT projects that encountered significant methodological difficulties. Using a combined approach of Directed and Conventional Content Analysis, we identified eight interrelated themes spanning the phases of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. For each theme, we developed problem–solution pairings to address issues such as: navigating large volumes of collected data, transitioning from specific details to abstract concepts, interpreting qualitative data, relating categories to construct logical theoretical explanations, determining when categories are sufficiently related, finding an appropriate generalization level, coaching and guiding single GT researchers, and choosing a GT approach These themes are integrated into a coherent model, MAPS, that reveals their causal relationships. Our study provides micro-level methodological guidance for GT practice and complements existing GT literature by offering empirically grounded and actionable solutions rather than high-level principles.

Keywords: Grounded Theory, Grounded Theory Challenges, Grounded Theory Guidelines, Inexperienced users, Grounded Theory confusion

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Citation

Cronholm, S., & Williamsson, I. (2026). GROUND: An Actionable Model for Overcoming Challenges in Grounded Theory. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(4), 79-103. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19169

Cronholm, S., and Williamsson, I. (2026). GROUND: An Actionable Model for Overcoming Challenges in Grounded Theory. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(4), pp. 79-103. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19169

Cronholm S, Williamsson I. GROUND: An Actionable Model for Overcoming Challenges in Grounded Theory. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(4), 79-103. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19169

Cronholm, Stefan, and Ia Williamsson. "GROUND: An Actionable Model for Overcoming Challenges in Grounded Theory". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2026 10 no. 4 (2026): 79-103. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19169

Cronholm, Stefan et al. "GROUND: An Actionable Model for Overcoming Challenges in Grounded Theory". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 10, no. 4, 2026, pp. 79-103. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19169

Cronholm S, Williamsson I. GROUND: An Actionable Model for Overcoming Challenges in Grounded Theory. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(4):79-103. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19169