Grounded theory is used all over the  world.

GROUNDED THEORY CONFERENCE:
GROUNDED THEORY FUTURES

Thursday 19th & Friday 20th September, 2024

Venue: Online

Grounded theory methodology is the most cited methodology in qualitative research. There are several variants of the methodology and there are thousands of grounded theory researchers studying and working in the world right now. The future of grounded theory is in their hands. Our hands.

Our aims for this conference are therefore to:

  • Create a context of mutual respect in which to explore ways to move forward with grounded theory
  • Provide a platform for both novice grounded theorists to launch and nurture their futures, and for practicing grounded theorists to share their expertise.

The shape of the conference: past, present and future

Professor Barry Gibson will open the conference. His thought provoking and scholarly examination of key grounded theory (GT) texts will bring us up to date with pivotal developments in grounded theory in the light of the history of the grounded theory method.

Professor Cathy Urquhart leads the response to Professor Gibson’s analysis. Along with Professor Vivian Martin, Dr Shehr Bano Zaidi and Professor Elaine Keane, the panel will discuss ‘The Future of Grounded Theory’.

Professor Antony Bryant will chair the closing session on behalf of the International Association of Grounded Theorists. He will seek to bring together key issues and offer ideas to spur contributions from conference participants. Together, as a conference body, we will propose a basis for moving forward.

Dr Elaine Keane is currently exploring the possibility of a special issue with a highly regarded international journal to capture the momentum of the conference. We plan to invite both conference presenters and attendees to submit abstracts relating to the future of grounded theory for consideration for inclusion in this special issue.

A platform for sharing and connecting

In conversation with Professor Barry Gibson, long-time grounded theorist Professor Richard Ekins explains his basic socio-political process of ‘Authenticating‘ in the areas of New Orleans jazz, psychoanalysis and grounded theory.

We have received a number of very high quality abstracts from beginning researchers and see the future of grounded theory is bright. The theories and methodological arguments presented will showcase excellence and provide a trajectory for those in the early stages of their grounded theory studies.

During the conference we shall offer a number of events intended to develop novice grounded theorists, including a panel with Professor Cathy Urquhart, Dr Tom Andrews and Professor Anthony Bryant on “Preparing for the Grounded Theory PhD Viva”.

As a group we are keen to encourage ideas that offer ways in which GT can be developed, and also encourage suggestions for events that facilitate constructive discussion between a wide range of GT researchers. So please join us – the International Association of Grounded Theorists – and together, let’s explore the future of grounded theory!

Presented by the International Association of Grounded Theorists
Affiliated with: Central Connecticut State University, USA; Leeds Beckett University, UK; the School of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Sheffield, UK.