Grounded Theory—An Illustrative Application in the Portuguese Footwear Industry

Mónica Monteiro (), Álvaro Rosa, Adelaide Martins and Shital Jayantilal
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Mónica Monteiro: Department of Economics and Management, Portucalense University & REMIT, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Álvaro Rosa: Department of Marketing, Operations, and General Management, ISCTE-Lisbon University Institute, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
Adelaide Martins: Faculty of Economics, University of Porto, Center for Economics and Finance (CEF-UP), 4200-464 Porto, Portugal
Shital Jayantilal: Department of Economics and Management, Portucalense University & REMIT, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal

Administrative Sciences, 2023, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: Grounded theory is an inductive research methodology aiming at the construction of new concepts or new theories able to explain emerging phenomena. The objective of this paper is to provide insights on the usage of grounded theory in management research. We showcase how grounded theory can bring light to development modes of Portuguese small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the specific reality of the footwear industry, where a changing and unpredictable environment threatens constant loss of competitive advantage. An interpretive–epistemological research philosophy was adopted, and evidence was gathered through nine semi-structured interviews. Portugal is currently a reference in the international footwear market and the sustainability of the sector plays an important role in the Portuguese industrial structure. This study highlights how the method of grounded theory can add value to research by uncovering complex managerial realities and develop new questions and issues for theory building.

Keywords: grounded theory; innovation; internationalization; dynamic capabilities; market change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L M M0 M1 M10 M11 M12 M14 M15 M16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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