Hi Zairul,

Thematic analysis (and content analysis) are the most common analysis techniques that are used in qualitative descriptive exploratory research. You can't apply a GT approach to 'conventional' thematic analysis - because they use different processes i.e. the coding method that you describe is different.

A GT approach could be applied (instead of a thematic/content analysis approach) - but this would potentially over-complicate and run counter to the principles of descriptive exploratory approaches - which is essentially 'to keep things simple'. 

The attached chapter may assist. 

Please also refer to the following link in relation to the communications on Grounded Theory:   

https://www.researchgate.net/post/Can_I_follow_Grounded_Theory_approach_if_I_have_a_pre-fixed_number_of_case_studies 

 thanks Dean Whitehead and Kenneth for your insights..; )