Abstract
In this article an overview of qualitative research, the origin of grounded theory, its different schools and relationship with substantive theory are provided. The researcher also considers whether “grounded theory" implies theory only or includes other building blocks of science, how grounded theory is applied in management and leadership studies abroad and in the Republic of South Africa. He describes how his interest in organisational downsizing led to the study. Finally, he introduces a “roadmap��? for grounded theory in a South African information technology company and offer some suggestions for future studies.