Conceptualizing Artefact Influence: A Grounded Theory Exploration of an ICT4D Study in Uganda

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), ICT for Development (ICT4D) and Information Systems in Developing Countries (ISDC) studies postulate ICTs augmenting development conditions in multiple socioeconomic sectors. Building upon the multi-disciplinary nature of Grounded Theory (GT) methodology, this paper examines and theorises participant perspectives regarding the developmental influence of the Water Supply Database (WSDB), which is an ICT artefact implemented by Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) to improve information flow, data sharing and decision making in the water sector. This exploratory study examines the WSDB, and the experience of adopting Glaserian Classic Grounded Theory (CGT) methodology to collect and analyse qualitative data to develop theory. Findings led to the conceptualisation of the theory Optimising Perspectives which categorises development influence of the WSDB and reasons for its continued success. Finally, the paper highlights relevance of using CGT in ICT4D or ISDC research, and implication of adopting CGT in studies that contribute to understanding developmental influence of ICTs in SSA.