Applying constructivist grounded theory in co-production research: a case study exploring its potential and lessons for construction management research

Abstract

The last decade has seen a drive within construction management (CM) research for greater collaboration between academia and practice to improve the impact and relevance of research. Co-production, where academics and practitioners are engaged in framing the research problem, theory building, research design and problem solving, provides potential for engaged research which achieves mutual benefits in terms of theory and practice outcomes. To benefit from this trend, CM researchers require to revisit their established approaches. Under explored in CM research, this study identifies the potential of applying constructivist grounded theory (CGT) as an approach that enhance co-production research. The paper provides reflexive accounts of what makes CGT a suitable approach for co-production and presents a synthesis of its application in practice, reflecting on its strengths and weaknesses in the context of co-production. The applicability of the approach is illustrated through a case study on facilities performance measurement in the NHS. CGT contributed in the questioning of the scope and underlying assumptions leading to co-produced research which provided theoretical insight which underpinned guidance for future development by NHS Scotland. The findings indicate that CGT is a well-established, rigorous and reliable approach that is viable for conducting co-production research.