Applying Grounded Theory to Study Collaborative Climate, Supplier Relationship, Trust, Knowledge Sharing, and Performance in an Organization

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to argue the case for the use of grounded theory as a valid method for the relationship among collaboration climate, supplier relationship, trust, knowledge management, and performance. The grounded theory research method that was employed in this study is a primarily inductive investigative process in which the researcher formulates a theory about a phenomenon by systematically gathering and analyzing relevant data. This research method is trying to building theory, not testing theory. The data that was gathered for this study primarily consisted of semi-structured in-depth interviews with informants of varying industry, scale and management level.