Grounded theory and sport management research

This chapter explores the research approach of grounded theory. It examines

the debates surrounding the application of grounded theory to research and

identifies and discusses the principles that underpin grounded theory

approaches to research in sport management settings. Despite some identi-

fied weaknesses in the grounded theory approach, it argues that there are

certainly some distinct advantages in the approach for the sport management

researcher. It is suggested that the grounded theory approach is compatible

with the aims of sport management researchers because it enables the

researcher to capture and explicate on a theoretical level the complexity of

organizational situations and processes.