The role of the orthodox grounded theory methodology in establishing universal behavioural patterns in comparative cross-national research

This position paper discusses the role of the orthodox grounded theory methodology (Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Glaser, 1978) in establishing universal behavioural patterns in comparative cross-national research. Having identified two main methodological issues in this field – i.e. a lack of “any real comparison” (Pierce & Pride, 1972, p. 13), an absence of a unifying, multi-/cross-level of analysis and a disregard of the interaction between levels of analysis – it is argued that the orthodox grounded theory methodology could help address these two methodological issues in comparative cross-national research by establishing universal behavioural patterns. Substantive and methodological justifications are also provided to substantiate the role that an orthodox grounded theory methodology plays in the establishment of universal behavioural patterns, contributing to methodological development and implementation of best practice in this field. The academic, societal, economic and policy impact and value of methodological development to the social sciences concerning its contributions to comparative cross-national research are also explained.