Università della Svizzera italiana
Summer School in Social Sciences Methods
Università della Svizzera italiana
Summer School in Social Sciences Methods
6-21 August 2026

Building Insights from Qualitative Data through Multiple Grounded Theory Approaches

Lecturer: Lakshmi Balachandran Nair

Modality: In presence

Week 2: 17-21 August 2026

Workshop contents and objectives

This five-day intensive workshop offers a hands-on introduction to the practical application of different grounded theory (GT) methodologies for theory development from qualitative data. Each session combines short conceptual inputs with extensive practical exercises. By the end of the week, participants will have applied Glaserian, Straussian, and Constructivist grounded theory approaches to real data and presented their findings.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Select and justify the most appropriate grounded theory approach for their research question.
  • Apply Glaserian, Straussian, and Constructivist coding procedures to qualitative data.
  • Integrate reflexivity and ethical awareness into grounded theory analysis.
  • Develop and communicate grounded theory findings in written and oral formats.

Workshop design

The workshop follows a strongly practice-oriented structure, alternating between short lectures, guided exercises, group discussions, and data analysis sessions. Participants will engage in collaborative learning and receive feedback throughout the week.

Note: The course focuses on conceptual and methodological aspects and does not include software training. Participants are welcome to use their preferred qualitative analysis software for coding, provided they are already familiar with its operation. 

Detailed lecture plan (daily schedule)

Day 1 – What grounded theory can do

Goal: Understand grounded theory as a methodology for theorizing from data.

  • Introduction to grounded theory as a methodology
  • Core principles: Constant comparison, theoretical sampling, memo writing, and coding as steps toward theory building
  • Overview of Glaserian, Straussian, and Constructivist variants: How and when each fits specific research problems
  • Workshop: Framing your research question and identifying suitable data sources
  • Hands-on: Preparing your dataset for analysis
Day 2 – Building from data: Applying the Glaserian approach

Goal: Learn and apply the Glaserian (classic) approach to grounded theory.

  • Glaserian principles of emergence, theoretical sensitivity, and minimizing preconceptions
  • Key techniques: Open coding, constant comparative analysis, and memo writing for category development
  • Practical exercise: Initial coding of qualitative data using Glaserian approach
  • Group reflection: Strengths (e.g. discovery orientation) and limitations (e.g. minimal guidance, abstraction risk)
Day 3 – Structuring the analysis process: The Straussian approach

Goal: Learn and apply the Straussian approach to grounded theory.

  • Transitioning from Glaserian to Straussian grounded theory: When and why to apply each
  • Coding techniques: Open, axial, and selective coding
  • Workshop: Applying Straussian coding and comparing results with Glaserian analysis
  • Discussion: Researcher involvement in shaping coding and theory
  • Evaluation: Strengths (systematic structure, clarity) and limitations (risk of over-formalization)
Day 4 – Co-Constructing meaning: The Constructivist approach, reflexivity, and ethics

Goals: Learn and apply the Constructivist approach to grounded theory, integrate reflexivity and ethics into grounded theory research.

  • Introduction to Constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz): Theory as co-constructed meaning
  • Reflexive practices: Memoing, researcher positioning, and inclusion of participant voices
  • Applied exercise: Re-analyzing excerpts through a Constructivist lens
  • Ethics in practice: Confidentiality, representation, and power dynamics
  • Discussion: Strengths (contextual depth, transparency) and limitations (subjectivity, interpretive bias)
Day 5 – From analysis to theory: Presenting and writing grounded theory research

Goal: Synthesize and communicate grounded theory findings.

  • Student presentations: Presenting analysis and findings using one or more grounded theory approaches
  • Peer feedback and group discussion: Challenges, insights, and methodological decisions
  • Evaluating trustworthiness and credibility in grounded theory studies
  • Writing a grounded theory report: From codes to conceptual frameworks and theoretical statements
  • Final reflections and takeaways

Class materials

Course readings and other resources will be made available on the iCorsi platform closer to the start of the course. Participants are encouraged to bring their own qualitative interview datasets; if not available, small sample interview datasets representing different research contexts will be provided.

Prerequisites

The students are expected to have basic prior exposure to qualitative research (i.e. they should already know how to formulate a research question, how to collect interview data etc.)

Lakshmi Balachandran Nair

Department of Business and Management, LUISS Guido Carli University, Italy

Dr. Lakshmi Balachandran Nair is a Senior Assistant Professor at LUISS Guido Carli University in Rome, specializing in qualitative methodology and business/organizational ethics. She has published articles in journals such as Research Policy, Journal of Management, Organizational Research Methods, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Management Inquiry, Journal of International Management etc., to name a few. Lakshmi has also published books, book chapters, and case studies with Cambridge University Press, Sage Publishing, Pearson Financial Times Press etc. For her work, Lakshmi has won several awards and grants, including but not limited to those from, Academy of Management, British Academy of Management, European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies, Swiss National Science Foundation, and Swiss Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences.

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