Developing a grounded theory of national maritime policies based on safety, security and environment

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to develop a grounded theory of national maritime policies based on safety, security, and environment by understanding the participants’ experiences. The paper adopts a qualitative research method based on a grounded theory approach and uses primary data collected through three methods, which are interviews, a focus group interview and observations all conducted in Turkey. As a result of analysing the collected data by aid of the MAXQDA software, “The Grounded Theory of National Maritime Policies Based on Safety, Security and Environment” is developed. In this theory, all the constructs of three topics, maritime safety- maritime security-marine environment, are defined separately and intra-topic and inter-topic relationships are revealed. The grounded theory is also a useful guide to help decision makers see all the constructs and the relationships on maritime safety, security, and environment; so they can make accurate and effective maritime policies in this area.