Grounded Theory Method Research Articles

Approaching a substantive theory of moral reckoning in special education leadership: Innovative grounded theory methods using extant data on principals

This original grounded theory research addresses leading for inclusion within the context of special education services and the educative outcome of equity as a moral aim of schooling in the United States. We pinpoint the critical positionality of the principalship in realizing both the letter and spirit of special education law in the US and its consequent practice. Through a secondary analysis of extant qualitative data, we examine dis/ability in schooling and administrative decision making in the day-to-day reality of implementation and present a working substantive theory of moral reckoning for special education leadership. Principals’ thinking and professional praxis revealed the existence of varying layers of ethical deliberation, ranging from surface appraisals, partial judgments, and conflicting calculations to deep, soul-searching deliberation. We conclude with recommendations for future research and practice.

Barefoot Walking (Earthing) Craze and Policy Support Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in South Korea: A Grounded Theory Analysis

Barefoot walking is currently a craze in South Korean communities. In particular, the elderly are participating in barefoot walking (earthing) to improve their physical and mental health due to their increasing desire for a healthy life. The purpose of this study was to analyze causes, processes, and consequences of the barefoot walking craze among the elderly in Korean society. The research method used was the grounded theory method. Thirty-five elderly people participating in barefoot walking were selected as participants. Data were analyzed according to open coding, axial coding, and selective coding proposed by Strauss and Corbin. First, an open coding phase yielded 61 concepts, 18 subcategories, and 7 categories through continuous questioning and comparative analysis. Second, in the axial coding stage, causal, contextual, and mediating conditions, action/interaction strategies, and consequences were presented, centering on the phenomenon. Causal conditions and contextual conditions contributing to the phenomenon of barefoot walking were identified as “motivation to participate” and “barefoot walking environment,” respectively. “Participating in barefoot walking” was identified as a phenomenon in the axial coding paradigm. The intervening condition was analyzed as “information about barefoot walking.” The action/interaction strategy was analyzed as “spreading the value of barefoot walking.” In the axial coding paradigm, consequences that emerged through the action/interaction strategy were “restoring physical and mental health” and “community spread and nuisance.” Third, in the selective coding stage, “barefoot walking as a daily routine” was derived as the core category, and the narrative outline was presented. To create a sustainable barefoot walking environment in Korea, it is necessary to have a healthy civic consciousness that coexists and harmonizes with nature.

The Experiences of Iranian Middle and Lower Class Living in Inflationary Conditions

One of the most important economic problems in Iran is inflation. The aim of this study was to explore the social consequences of inflation in the lives of middle-class and lower-class people. Some of the questions addressed in this study are: how do participants experience inflation? How do they make a living? What problems are they facing? what are the consequences of inflation for participants? We used a constructivist qualitative approach and grounded theory method. Participants were sampled purposively with different social groups. A total of 27 interviews with participants who belong to the middle-class and lower-class in three cities in Iran in Isfahan, Yazd and Tehran were performed. Data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews. The interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory coding. After analyzing the data, 8 main categories were explored which include: Limitations in relationships, Mental Threat, Frustration, make ends meet, Early Adulthood, Family quarrel, profit-making and Anomy. According to the results, participants are in a bad situation in terms of economy. Inflation and financial problems have had the pervasive impact on the people, especially those who have had a steady and low income.

“We are very family like”: How do relationships with colleagues affect career satisfaction for surgeons?

PurposeThe objective of this research was to explore the role of surgeon relationships with their colleagues on career satisfaction. MethodsThis qualitative study employed a thematic analysis based on the core elements of The Grounded Theory Method. Forty-two pediatric neurosurgeons, cardio-thoracic surgeons and ophthalmologists were recruited from 9 countries around the globe and interviewed in-depth about the role of their collegial relationships on their career satisfaction. Data was coded line-by-line to extract themes and to identify patterns across the interviews. ResultsCareer satisfaction was greatly enhanced by having a cohesive and healthy team. ‘Healthy’ teams were described as those that were emotionally supportive of each other, where colleagues could be trusted to back each other up, where communication was open and transparent, and where collaboration was the departmental norm. Career satisfaction was greatly diminished when there were interpersonal conflicts and personality clashes between surgeons, where there was poor departmental leadership creating a culture of fear and insecurity, when colleagues were perceived as egotistical, in competitive departments, where there was perceived to be an unequal distribution of work, and when surgeons felt alone and unsupported. ConclusionsOur study found that healthy teams had very specific qualities that could be cultivated and enhanced on surgical teams by making a conscious effort to improve the workplace culture and psychological safety among the team. In the conclusions, a number of recommendations are made on how to go about achieving this goal.

Social media‐enabled crisis response in Vietnam: A tương thân tương ái perspective

AbstractA growing amount of information systems (IS) research is examining the use of social media to enable effective crisis response. However, existing studies have overlooked the impact of indigenous concepts, which play an important role in crisis response. Our study intends to offer an indigenous perspective to this research stream by examining how social media‐enabled crisis response is enacted in Vietnam. We used COVID‐19 as the focal crisis and collected a rich set of discussion threads from social media. By analysing the data through the grounded theory method, our study identifies the indigenous theoretical concept of tương thân tương ái. We further unveil a process model consisting of six mechanisms through which tương thân tương ái inspires crisis response on social media and three roles assumed by social media during this process. Our study contributes to the literature on social media‐enabled crisis response by providing an indigenous perspective and a context‐specific explanation. It also enriches IS theory in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by investigating how the indigenous concept of tương thân tương ái influences Vietnam's crisis response on social media. Our findings also provide guidelines that can help communities beyond Vietnam to promote the values of tương thân tương ái during crisis response.

Making Conscientious Decisions: Engaging in Venous Leg Ulcer Self-Management Following Nurse-Led Patient Education.

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) provoke multiple symptoms and impact individuals and society as a whole. Their treatment and prevention strategies require individual's involvement in self-management strategies. Insufficient knowledge with regard to prevention, management, and treatment has been identified as a critical factor related to VLUs and their recurrence. Therapeutic patient education (TPE) proposed as part of a management strategy for this population provides unclear benefits regarding wounds healing or prevention of recurrence. The aim of the study was to develop a theory explaining how individuals with a VLU experience an individualized nurse-led TPE program regarding self-management strategies. The constructivist approach of Charmaz to the grounded theory method was used to develop the theory. A total of 26 individuals contributed to the co-construction of the theory through face-to-face or telephone semi-structured interviews. Data analysis and data collection occurs simultaneously with a comparative process to reveal the conceptual categories, apply theoretical sampling, and define theoretical saturation. The theory of "Conscientiously Engaging in Self-Management" was co-constructed with the participants encapsulating four categories: "Being influenced by my own story," "Being personally informed," "Making conscientious decisions to engage in self-adapted management strategies," and "Integrating a conscientious way of living." This theory highlights individuals' voices and stories toward their journey of VLU self-management taking contextual factors into consideration. This new theory offers new knowledge about implementation of self-management strategies for individuals living with a VLU and will inform clinical practice and contribute to the development of targeted interventions.

The Treatment Alliance and the Provision of Removable Dentures: Exploring the Emotional Work of the Dental Team

Background: Research has demonstrated that the loss of one or more natural teeth can be an emotionally traumatic experience that mirrors processes associated with bereavement. There remains scant literature examining the role of emotions in dental encounters. One such exception is the literature on the idea of the ‘treatment alliance’ in dental encounters. The aim of this paper is to explore the role of the ‘treatment alliance’ in dentist–patient encounters. Methods: Data were collected from clinical observations, semi-structured interviews and focus groups exploring the experience of tooth loss and how the treatment alliance shaped the patient journey. Data analysis was conducted using the grounded theory method influenced by phenomenology. Coding was conducted using NVIVO and the unit of analysis was the treatment alliance. Results: Twenty participants took part in the interviews (eleven male; nine female; 22–86 years; mean age = 58.9 years). Observations were carried out with a further fourteen participants (seven male; seven female; 50–101 years; mean age = 62.2 years). The paper draws on four cases taken from the observational data to illustrate important dynamics underpinning how the treatment alliance varied. These case studies are then used as the basis for a critical discussion of the importance of the treatment alliance in dentistry. Conclusions: The treatment alliance acted as an important moderator in the clinical encounter, helping to influence successful outcomes. An important foundational component of the treatment alliance was the degree of emotional work the dental team conducted when ‘getting to know’ unfamiliar patients. Whilst emotions were an important factor in dental encounters, their acknowledgement and management were not essential to all successful outcomes. Much more research is therefore needed into the role of emotional labour in dental encounters.

The Population-Centered Medical Model: a method of practice for public health physicians

Abstract Background Public Health Physicians (PHPs) in Canada occupy a liminal space between medicine and public health. Current practice frameworks for the care of individual patients by physicians do not account for the complexity of working with communities and populations for health. Similarly, frameworks for public health practice do not account for the roles and responsibilities of physicians in public health. A method of practice that outlines how public health physicians care for populations is vital for training and development of practice for this specialty group within medicine and public health. Methods Constructivist Grounded Theory methods were used in this study. Ethics approval was obtained through The Western University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen (18) currently practicing PHPs across Canada. Data was analysed iteratively using constant comparison, multi-level coding, and memo writing. Thick description and reflexivity were employed to enhance rigour. Results The key finding is the elucidation of the Population-Centered Medical Model. In this empirically grounded model, PHPs bring values, knowledge and stances to their practice of Public Health Medicine. PHPs consider the population as patient, along with ethical obligations that flow from the physician to the population as a consequence. The process of caring for populations involves both diagnosis and intervention, with a focus on systems and prevention. It relies on knowledge sharing and relationship building between the physician and the population. Conclusions This is the first empirical model to describe the practice of PHPs. The model firmly grounds PHP practice in both medicine (diagnosis and intervention, the construction of a patient) and public health (focus on populations, systems and prevention). It also presents an opportunity to develop a general model of medical practice for n patients, where n can range between 1 and N. Key messages • The Population-Centered Medical Model is an empirically grounded model that describes the work of Public Health Physicians in Canada and grounds practice firmly in medicine and in public health. • Public Health Physicians consider populations as patients. They diagnose and intervene for health, with a focus on systems and prevention, by building relationships and sharing knowledge.

Overcoming Challenges and Promoting Positive Education in Inclusive Schools: A Multi-Country Study

Inclusive education faces significant challenges requiring deep understanding and comprehensive solutions. This study aims to establish a holistic framework for understanding the challenges in inclusive education, the core mission of inclusive schools, and the essential qualities of teachers. The methodology employed was qualitative, using the grounded theory method. A total of 59 experts from 13 countries participated in this study. Semi-structured asynchronous virtual interviews were conducted and analyzed using ATLAS.ti software (version 8). The results identified eight persistent challenges to inclusive education. In addition, positive education was highlighted as the fundamental core of inclusive schools, with emphasis on the development of learning, well-being, engagement, resilience, motivation, mental health, affective and social outcomes, creativity, and happiness. Finally, the integral profile of the inclusive teacher was defined based on a four-dimensional model. This groundbreaking study introduces a novel comprehensive framework that revolutionizes our understanding of the enduring challenges in inclusive education. Elucidating the core mission of inclusive schools and defining the essential qualities of inclusive teachers offers transformative insights. This study’s implications, future perspectives, and limitations provide a wealth of valuable information for policymakers, educators, and researchers, paving the way for innovative approaches and enhanced inclusive educational practices.

Social Stigma and Vulnerabilities of Women Living With HIV/AIDS in Kyrgyzstan: Service Providers’ Perspectives

In Kyrgyzstan, registered HIV cases doubled from 2013 to 2019, with women constituting 39% of cases in 2021. Women living with HIV (WLHIV) encounter heightened intimate partner violence, stigma, and discrimination. This study explores the experiences and vulnerabilities of WLHIV in Kyrgyzstan from the perspective of professionals engaged in HIV care and advocacy. Data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 professionals engaged in HIV prevention were analyzed using grounded theory methods. The analysis revealed two primary categories related to the experiences of WLHIV as observed by professionals in the field: (a) Challenges faced by WLHIV at the personal, interpersonal, community, and institutional levels, and (b) The way forward—providers’ ideas about addressing stigma and vulnerability. Urgent action is needed to address the needs of WLHIV, emphasizing confidentiality and support, recognizing discrimination as violence, and fostering financial independence.

Impact of Servitization on Employee Satisfaction with Performance Evaluation Systems: A Case Study of China’s New Energy Sector Amid Power Market Reforms

This study investigates the mechanisms by which service-oriented transformation affects employee satisfaction with performance evaluation systems within the context of China’s electricity market reform. Using CGN New Energy’s Guangxi Branch as a case study and applying the grounded theory method, the research systematically analyzes employees’ perceptions of fairness, transparency, and career development during the transition from a product-oriented to a service-oriented model, based on in-depth interviews and surveys. The findings reveal that while servitization enhances employee skill development and career satisfaction, it also introduces challenges, such as increased work pressure and the demand for more transparent performance evaluation systems. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing management practices and performance evaluation systems in renewable energy companies, contributing both theoretically and practically to the literature on organizational transformation in the energy sector. These conclusions are not only significant for Chinese enterprises but also offer important reference points for global energy companies undergoing similar transitions.

Indigenous Spirituality, Health, and Well-Being in the Young: Yarns With the Victorian Aboriginal Community.

The extant literature has scant detail about everyday spiritual practices that aid Indigenous young people. This paper systematically explores Indigenous Spirituality, health, and well-being through Elder-governed yarns conducted via Zoom with 44 Aboriginal Elders, Healers, and Senior and Junior people involved in health and well-being of the Victorian Aboriginal community. These yarns were analyzed through an innovative, constructivist, multi-perspectival discursive grounded theory method. Key findings are that Spirituality is crucial for health and well-being, leading to a clear mind and at-peace "center" in a person. Aboriginal spiritual practices reflect the unique characteristics and essential rhythms of Country. Spiritual development is incremental and increases the obligations and responsibilities a person has to community and Country and leads to increased caring for Country. This paper provides rich detail about practical spiritual techniques to aid Indigenous young people and their kinship networks. It has the potential to shape future policy.

Developing a functional framework for the rural technological innovation system; Emphasizing the irrigation systems in a rural community of central Iran

ABSTRACT Technological innovation systems have mostly been studied in cities and focused on specific technologies. As the villages are comparatively different in scale and socioeconomic and technical characteristics, the functional expectations of technology in rural environments are also different. In this regard, this study aims to identify the functions of the Rural Technological Innovation System (RTIS) in irrigation systems of rural areas in Taft County, central Iran. Applying the Grounded Theory Method, the research is conducted qualitatively. Data was gathered primarily, by interviewing the managers and experts of water, agriculture, and technology. Results identified 12 functions for RTIS, the Seven are overlapped with the functions previously proposed for other TISs. New distinct ones are ‘guaranteeing spatio-social justice’, ‘continuous monitoring and choosing appropriate technology’, ‘accountability and transparency’, ‘Positive imagery and raising hope’ and ‘ensuring sustainability and enhancing effectiveness’. Identifying the functions an RTIS should have, revealed some deficiencies the studied villages face in developing innovation and technology that are expected to be resolved by implementing an RTIS.

Influence of Industrial Relations with Ukhuwwah (brotherhood), ‘Adl (justice) and Ihsan (benevolence) among Islamic Universities

The existence of industrial relations with the industrialization drivers has been argued with the persistent competition among different entities, including workers, capitalists, bureaucrats, and authorities, to reduce operating costs while maximizing financial profits. While industrial relations have been relevant through the human resource management of organizations, from the perspectives of Islam, three core values, ukhuwwah (brotherhood), ‘adl (justice), and Ihsan (benevolence) are essential in establishing a harmonious and ethical relationship between employers and employees, which serves as a solid foundation for creating a positive work environment. This study used the grounded theory method through focused group discussion to explore the integration of Islamic values into the industrial relations of Islamic universities. It focuses on insights from participants who emphasized the significance of promoting positive human relationships, incorporating Islamic teachings, and maintaining a balance between procedural work and community-building activities. The study's findings suggest that incorporating these principles can establish a cohesive and morally upright work environment that is advantageous for both employees and organizations. Suggestions for the industrial relations unit, top management, board of governors, and the government involve cultivating strong unity through team-building, maintaining fairness with clear and open policies, and promoting excellence by supporting professional growth and empathetic work conditions.

Experiences and barriers with home bladder manometry in the pediatric neurogenic bladder population: A qualitative study

Patients with neurogenic bladder are at risk of developing renal deterioration secondary to increased intravesical pressures. To date, urodynamics is the gold standard test to properly assess bladder dynamics. Home bladder manometry is a low-cost and simple method to evaluate bladder pressures and volumes during clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Previous literature has shown that home manometry measurements correlate with urodynamic pressures and hydronephrosis on ultrasound. However, no studies have evaluated the challenges and barriers faced by caregivers with the process. Our objective was to investigate the experiences and perceptions of caregivers, healthcare providers, and nurses with home manometry. We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 23 stakeholders. Stakeholders included caregivers of pediatric spina bifida neurogenic bladder patients, providers, and nursing staff. Grounded Theory Methods were used to analyze transcripts and identify preliminary concepts that described attitudes towards the current home bladder manometry process. Interview participants were composed of 10 (43%) caregivers, 9 (40%) healthcare providers, and 4 (17%) nursing staff. The mean age was 39 years (range 26-66). The four themes identified during discussions were perspectives on home manometry, patient-specific characteristics, challenges with home manometry, and learning experience. All caregivers expressed understanding and agreement with the purpose and importance of home manometry. Emergent concepts identified as targets for improvement were the need for standardization of teaching processes with focus on hands-on practice, understanding of patient characteristics and the home environment that make the process more challenging, and the need for appropriate materials including extension tubing and catheters. Home bladder manometry is a feasible and beneficial way for neurogenic bladder patients to monitor their bladder pressures and volumes at home. This qualitative study offers valuable insights into the experiences and viewpoints of caregivers, healthcare providers, and nurses regarding both home manometry and the general experience with CIC.

The Performance Concepts of Adu-Tandiang in Pariaman Society: Fighting, Competing, and Fighting/Competing as Main Characteristics

This paper analyses the subject of adu-tandiang, which includes adu (fighting), tandiang (competing), and adu/tandiang (fighting/competing); three concepts of performance that are found in the performing arts and rituals of Pariaman society. This study uses an emic approach and grounded theory method to obtain supporting data about the concepts of adu, tandiang, and adu/tandiang. The research results show that the performing arts and traditional rituals in Pariaman are basically dynamic and always have adu-tandiang concept. The characteristics of performances with elements of adu, tandiang, and adu/tandiang are dynamic, and reflect the nature and character of the Pariaman people themselves, as a result of their history as a coastal community and facing many encounters with foreign communities. Therefore, the concepts of adu, tandiang, and adu/tandiang are generalisations of principles that characterise almost all performances in Pariaman society.

The Social Reality of Meaning Making: The Dichotomy in the Illness Narratives of Women With Breast Cancer and Biomedical Practitioners in Nigeria.

Despite the increasing burden of breast cancer in the developing world, there is a misunderstanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between culture and cancer, particularly breast cancer. Hence, a dichotomy of illness narratives exists due to differential meaning making concerning breast cancer. While clinicians always recommend biomedical treatment, women with breast cancer often seek alternative treatment pathways. To explore the experiences of women with breast cancer and clinicians in Nigeria on the dichotomy in the illness narratives. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussion to explore the experiences of 22 women with breast cancer and 7 clinicians in Nigeria on the dichotomy in the illness narratives using grounded theory method analysis. This study revealed that many women living with breast cancer (WLBC) hold health beliefs that are contradictory to the biomedical norm. They mostly sought treatment based on the perceived aetiology of breast cancer. The treatment pathway follows faith and traditional healing as alternatives or sometimes in combination with biomedicine. WLBC reported a constant fear of biomedical treatment, perceived to be harmful to women's sexuality, fertility and body image. Hence, after perceived treatment failure from alternative care, biomedical care becomes the last resort, usually at an advanced stage of breast cancer, often responsible for poor prognosis. There is a dichotomy of illness construction between sufferers and health practitioners. To guide women with breast cancer on the path of care, modern care practitioners should consider some cultural norms and practices without compromising professional ethos.

DILEMMA AND COUNTERMEASURES OF URBAN CHILDCARE SERVICE DEVELOPMENT BASED ON GROUNDED THEORY: A CASE STUDY OF CHANGSHA

This study uses the grounded theory method to conduct in-depth interviews with relevant groups in the development of childcare services in Changsha and explores the difficulties in the development of urban childcare services and their solutions. The study identifies two main categories: "imbalance of internal factors" and "obstruction of external environment», which cover four aspects of institutional operation: professional quality, supply and demand imbalance, and misalignment of management mechanisms. To address these problems, this study proposes countermeasures and suggestions, such as improving the childcare service supply system, strengthening support policies, increasing professional talent training, and building a high-level coordination and planning mechanism to promote the healthy development of urban childcare services.

애착외상경험을 가진 내담자의 상담과정에 대한 근거이론 연구

The purpose of this study is to understand what clients with attachment trauma experience experienced in short-term counseling with an integrated approach, explore the process of change, and build a substantive theory based on this. I'm doing it. For the purpose of the study, among adult clients aged 18 or older who had past attachment trauma experiences and who visited a local counseling center for various superficial complaints and received counseling, 13 people who voluntarily expressed their willingness to participate in the study were selected as final participants. The data collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire were analyzed according to the grounded theory method suggested by Strauss and Corbin, and as a result of the analysis, 114 concepts, 40 subcategories, and 18 categories were ultimately derived. The research results based on data analysis are summarized as follows. First, the central phenomenon experienced by participants who experienced attachment trauma during short-term counseling in an integrated approach was ‘struggling to face a torn heart.’ Second, the core category of the counseling process of participants who experienced attachment trauma was ‘reconstructing attachment trauma into a story of acceptance and change.’ This study provides clues to a more in-depth understanding of people who have experienced attachment trauma and appropriate and effective treatment intervention, and provides a paradigm to approach attachment trauma research at an ontological level. It is significant in that it can provide basic data and practical knowledge to centers or public institutions that provide consultation.

Ethnicity, Violence and Binary oppositions: Frames of the Wadi Salib Events in the Israeli Press from a Postcolonial Perspective

AbstractThis article analyzes the frames of the Wadi Salib events in the postcolonial perspective. The aim of this article is to show how to take historic events and analyze them according to a new perspective in media research. The events of Wadi Salib were a series of street demonstrations and riots that took place in 1959 in the Wadi Salib neighborhood of Haifa at Israel. The events were a social revolt against ethnic and socio‐economic discrimination. This article uses the grounded theory method and the framing method in order to examine the coverage techniques used by three major newspapers—Yedioth Aharonoth, Haaretz, and Maariv.The findings show three main frames. The first was the assignment of blame. The second was the frame of ethnicity. The third framing pointed to binary oppositions. The conclusion is that these frames pointed that the demonstrators are dangerous felons with criminal records who will use any means to subvert the foundations of society, while the police and the government are the defenders of the public against those insurgents.