Knowledge Management Research Using Grounded Theory Strategy: Applicability, Limitations and Ways Forward

Abstract

Knowledge management (KM) is currently an emerging discipline in higher education, and its effective implementation is becoming a precondition for success in an increasingly globalized economy. Because it is interdisciplinary in nature, carrying out a research in KM requires that one uses appropriate research strategies that should be used to enable objectives of a study to be undertaken to be achieved. Based on review and analysis of available literatures, this paper looks at the paradigms in KM research and examines in details the applicability and limitations of grounded theory strategy in carrying out KM research. Using the explanation that KM research is a human activity system which requires both soft and hard systems methodologies to achieve study goals, a research methodological strategy is proposed for carrying out research to develop a framework for KM using ICT in higher education in Uganda as part of an on-going study. As well as contributing theoretically to the literatures on KM by providing insights into the applicability and limitations of grounded theory strategy in carrying out KM research, this paper further seeks to propose a methodological strategy that can be used in carrying out similar or related studies.