Grounded Meta-Analysis: A Guide for Research Synthesis

Research synthesis has been used increasingly to integrate knowledge. Quantitative techniques, however, present special problems. Using Glaser and Strauss (1975) as a model, the authors developed a grounded meta-analytic technique to compare organizational interventions derived from rational-based strategies (MBO, planned change, etc.) with organizational culture-based strategies (organizational culture, climate, etc.). Grounded meta-analysis proved useful when integrating both quantitative and qualitative studies. This paper focuses upon the meta-analytic technique developed using illustrations from the study.