Integrating a Grounded Theory and a Case Study Concept in Green Logistics

Abstract

Research in social science is generally conducted with a qualitative methodology. In qualitative research, grounded theory (GT) or case study (CS) are commonly applied. This paper focuses on the possibilities of integrating the GT research methodology by applying CS as a data collection method particularly in green logistics (GL) inspired by a research work done in the information system (IS) field conducted by Halaweh in 2008. Since the research framework and methodology are very much influenced by the research questions and objectives, there is the possibility to integrate both GT and CS in a research project, especially for exploratory research using the mixed method methodology, which involves the development of assessment instruments. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to review the application of the Straussian approach a previous research work on the integration of a GT and a CS based on the previous research done in the IS research field and to map the processes according to the GL research. While the scope is limited to qualitative research and the GL field, at the end of this research, further understanding of the application of GT and CS in research will be discussed and explained. It can then serve as one of the references for future research in green logistics and social science fields.