One of the most problematic issues for researchers who conduct qualitative
research using semi-structured, unstructured interviews or story telling
data collection methods is the analysis of large quantities of rich data.
In the past this has often led to fairly unmethodical approaches to analysis
which in turn has led to qualitative business and management research being
seen as insubstantial and unworthy of consideration.
A relatively recent development in organisational research has been the application
of Template Analysis to rich unstructured qualitative data following the primary
data collection phase. Template Analysis appears to have emerged from the USA
during the 1990s and academics familiar with the Grounded Theory approach to
data analysis may see similarities in the techniques used. Nevertheless, it has
gained credibility in the UK through the work of Nigel King and other colleagues
researching in health and sociology related fields.
This paper provides an overview of the origins of Template Analysis and
discusses how it has been used to structure qualitative data. It then
goes on to examine through two case studies how Template Analysis has
been extended and used by the authors in two different research projects.
Both case studies involved the study of Information and Communication Technology.
In the first case study the research team worked within a Primary Care Trust in
the North East of England and the second project focused on the NHS Secondary Care sector.
This paper critically examines these two case studies in terms of their
particular research philosophy, epistemological approach and the lessons
learnt from the techniques employed. The paper then provides a discussion
of the principles and practicalities of template analysis and explores the
benefits to the business and management research community at large.
