For this study, this researcher proposes a generic qualitative inquiry. This method is used when the study focuses on a persons beliefs, opinions, attitudes, or experiences. When conducting a qualitative inquiry, the researcher tries to understand better what is happening by conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews versus a quantitative structured survey. The interview would be to understand the concept of Shadow IT and learn how different institutions respond to its presence. Demographics like the structure of IT hierarchy, resources, and the institution might emerge as mitigating factors but do not necessarily change how Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) approach Shadow IT.

The method used by most of the publications related to Shadow IT is some form of qualitative method. The approaches differ from one study to the next, consisting of interviews, theoretical analysis , or a literature review The field of research related to Shadow IT is relatively new. While the definition is generally agreed upon, the benefits and dangers to an organization the use of shadow IT are still being debated

Quantitative research about Shadow IT will provide a high-level overview across broad topics and large populations. A qualitative approach provides trust, confidentiality, and clarification to get deeper into the understanding of the topic. An interview will allow the researcher to ask the same questions as all interviewees but allow for clarifying questions and deeper conversations while respecting the sensitivity of discussing risk management, data governance, policy, and data breaches of the organizations involved.

Generic qualitative inquiry (GQI) research is a descriptive methodology to understand how individuals make meaning of a phenomenon or a situation based on what will best answer the questions under investigation. The strength of GCI occurs when little research about a phenomenon with an in-depth definition exists. GCI is useful when exploring the "who, what, and where" questions. GCI occupies a sandbox where researchers can experiment and advance the field by deviating from the prescribed methodological processes and creating approaches that may or may not become new methodologies By using GCI, researchers can seek to understand how people define, form, or make meaning from the experiences they have in the world. GCI is the foundation for all other methodologies in qualitative research. The theoretical orientation of GCI is social constructivism. Social constructivism encourages discovery through collaboration and problem-solving.

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