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The Grounded Theory Institute.

The official site of Classic Grounded Theory maintained by the family of Dr. Barney Glaser to keep his legacy alive.

The Grounded Theory Institute is dedicated to helping people learn about authentic Grounded Theory (otherwise knows as Glaserian, Classic, or Orthodox Grounded Theory).  It is a place where scholars come together to aid each other in the pursuit of a better understanding of GT.  From the novice to the GT teacher, there is always a deeper level of understanding possible when it come to the procedures and the power of GT.

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Check out these video clips from one of Barney Glaser’s Grounded Theory troubleshooting seminars.  He talks about the literature review, grounded theory as a jargon, high impact variables, conceptualization, and more.

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Below is information about the work of Fellows of the Grounded Theory Institute including organizations and published books:

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Grounded Theory Online 

          see all services at https://www.groundedtheoryonline.com/



GTO's Grounded Theory Introductory Workshops

Sign UP now for:

February 5, 2026  Grounded Theory Introductory Workshop
14.00 UTC+0 London/Dublin, 09.00 UTC-5 New York, 16.00 UTC+2 Cape Town


Join us to explore key questions:
 What is grounded theory?
 Is grounded theory the right method for your study?
 Which version of grounded theory might you use?


I will provide an overview of the grounded theory process and together we will: 
Practice coding
Clarify GT terminology e.g. indicator, incident, category, code, concept
 Consider the steps ahead for your project.

 

Please email me  (helen@groundedtheoryonline.com) if you would like to discuss if the workshop is right for you. See this page for more details and how to register: https://www.groundedtheoryonline.com/services/seminars/ 


GTO's Grounded Theory Troubleshooting Seminars

This highly practical seminar is designed for established and novice Grounded Theory researchers (including PhD and Masters students). The aims are to progress each Grounded Theory study to its next stage and to inspire and empower you as a GT researcher.  Novices welcome!

Join us for the next seminar and:


 Progress your grounded theory study to its next sage
 Strengthen your conceptualisation and analysis skills
 Map out the trajectory and steps ahead for your project
 Learn from other researchers and candidates
 Connect with a supportive network of grounded theorists.


A Troubleshooting Seminar was held on Thursday November 6th and Friday November 7th, 2025   2 x 7 hour sessions 09.30 – 16.30 UTC +0 (London/Dublin)

For Date of Next Troubleshooting Seminar watch here https://www.groundedtheoryonline.com/services/seminars/  

Please email Helen (helen@groundedtheoryonline.com) if you would like to discuss if a Troubleshooting seminar is right for you. 


GTO's GT Coffee Connects: 
 times friendly to various time zones 

 

Please come and network with other grounded theorists at our monthly Zoom call. We chat about our grounded theory lives during which networkers get to rehearse their GT explanations - never argue.. only explain - and allegedly, researchers improve their mental agility ready for vivas, defences and presentations. (However, you do not need to have research to present in order to join a Coffee Connect.) We can also explore your ideas for abstracts if that interests you. Please join the conversation on Zoom on: 

Thursday 29 January, 2026 (last Thursday in the month)

Click here to register for Australia/New Zealand friendly timezone (06.00 UTC+0)

Thursday 29 January, 2026 (last Thursday in the month)

Click here to register for USA/Europe friendly timezone (16.00 UTC+0)

Friday 30 January,  202

Click here to register for Europe/USA friendly timezone (13.00 UTC+0)


February 26th, 2026
February 27th, 2026

March 26th, 2026
March 27, 2026

Keep updated about Coffee Connects at 
https://www.groundedtheoryonline.com/resources/coffee-connect/ 

 



Mentoring from GTO:

Need Help? 

Are you undertaking a classic grounded theory study, but have noone to mentor you?  Contact Helen Scott at helen@groundedtheoryonline 

 

An additional message from Helen:   Guest Talk/Session on GT?
"I love chatting with people about grounded theory and especially enjoy supporting researchers developing their GT skills. If your research group or class would enjoy a guest talk or a relaxed Q&A session, I’d be happy to join—just drop me a note.

I hope to see you at a GT event soon.
Best wishes
Helen  

Helen Scott PhD (she/her)"

contact: helen@groundedtheoryonline

                


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Institute for Research and Theory Methodologies (RTM)

The Institute for Research and Theory Methodologies (RTM) is a global non-profit organization that trains, mentors, supports, and connects researchers in qualitative, multi-method, mixed-method, and grounded theory research. RTM’s vision is to cultivate a global community of researchers engaged in methodologically rigorous inquiry that generates insights and solutions to complex issues. The Glaser Center for Grounded Theory (discussed more below) is part of RTM. To learn more about RTM and how it connects and supports researchers worldwide, visit https://www.mentoringresearchers.org

See:https://www.mentoringresearchers.org/s/pages/glaser-cgt for resource support sessions, webinars, courses, and micro-credentials for classic grounded theory researchers across disciplines.          

See https://www.mentoringresearchers.org/s/pages/news-events for training and microcredentials offered by RTM.        

The Glaser Center for Grounded Theory: Advancing the Legacy of Glaserian Classic Grounded Theory Worldwide

The Institute for Research and Theory Methodologies (RTM) is proud to highlight the work of the Glaser Center for Grounded Theory, a global initiative dedicated to training, mentoring, supporting, and connecting students, faculty, and researchers who are learning and using Glaserian Classic Grounded Theory (GCGT).

Building on the legacy of Dr. Barney G. Glaser and his pioneering methodological contributions, the Glaser Center continues his vision of fostering rigorous, discovery-oriented research that generates new theory grounded in data.

“The Glaser Center exists to sustain and expand the worldwide community of grounded theorists,” said Dr. Kara Vander Linden, Founder and Director of the Institute for Research and Theory Methodologies. “We are committed to carrying forward Dr. Glaser’s emphasis on mentoring, accessibility, and methodological clarity.”

The Glaser Center offers a range of opportunities and resources to support grounded theorists at all levels of experience:

 

Through these programs, the Glaser Center strengthens the global network of grounded theorists and promotes continued innovation in the application of classic grounded theory across disciplines.


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Congraulations to Dr. Helen Scott for publication in February 2025 of her book:

Using Grounded Theory: How to Develop Theory for Managed Change 

Purchase on Amazon at 
https://www.amazon.com/Using-Grounded-Theory-Develop-Managed/dp/B0DXNFTH4F 

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Congratulations to Dr. Odis E Simmons for publication in 2022 of his book: 

Experiencing Grounded Theory: A Comprehensive Guide to Learning, Doing, Mentoring, Teaching, and Applying Grounded Theory   

See the GT Books tab  for more information. 

Purchase on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Experiencing-Grounded-Theory-Comprehensive-Mentoring/dp/159942634X

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Congratulations to Kenichi Shimura for publication in August 2025 of his book in Japanese:

Classic Grounded Theory: Research Methods for Action

see: https://www.shin-yo-sha.co.jp/book/b665500.html

"What's in this book?

Classical Grounded Theory, proposed by Glaser, is the foundation for handling qualitative data, including data collection and analysis, coding, and conceptualization using codes. This book explains its history, philosophy, and methods, and also provides an overview of grounded action as an application."

©2008 Grounded Theory Institute
Thursday, February 12, 2026, Bonnie Glaser