Special Issue of Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: Case Studies
ISBN: 978-1-84663-720-9
Edited by: Bill Lee, Paul M. Collier & John Cullen
This issue is a review of developments in both the qualitative tradition and case studies in management research.
The articles discuss the merits of unique cases and singular forms of evidence within a single case; the comparability of case studies with tools in other areas; and methods of theorizing from case studies. Readers may read each of the subsequent papers in this issue, either as individual contributions that have merits per se, or as part of a collection that this introductory paper helps to knit together. The merits of case studies have often been understated. The articles in this issue highlight a broader variety of uses of case study research than is commonly recognized.
Contents:
A Researcher’s Tale: Dealing with Epistemological Divergence
By Janet Bryant & Barbara Lasky
The aim of this article is to explore a theoretical and methodological dilemma that became evident to the researcher on completing stage one of a grounded theory project on implementation of Best Value Legislation, by local government authorities in Victoria, Australia. Another aim is to point out to the early career qualitative researcher in particular, that it is legitimate to combine seemingly incommensurate methodologies, notably where not to do so would result in the loss of enriching and powerful insights into basic social processes.
The ‘Singular View’ in Management Case Studies
By Sue Llewellyn and Deryl Northcott
This article aims to challenge the conventional wisdom in qualitative case study research that the findings of the case depend on the identification of common themes across the statements of multiple case informants (usually, as expressed at interview).
This article explores research on the meaning and significance of politically and culturally sensitive emergent change. It finds that during such change, many respondents may not accurately discern the ‘direction of travel’ in their organization and, hence, gathering evidence on common views may not be a productive research strategy. This paper argues that for some research agenda ‘singular views’ may be more insightful than ‘common themes’. It also discusses the development of research that is prompted by a ‘singular view’.
Introducing Strong Structuration Theory for informing qualitative case studies in Organization, Management and Accounting Research
By Lisa Jack & Ahmed Kholeif
The aim of this paper is to present a reinforced version of structuration theory, known as strong structuration theory, set out in Stones (2005) as a disciplined approach to qualitative case study research in organization, management and accounting fields. This framework challenges the belief held by certain critics that structuration theory cannot be used in substantive empirical research but is only a sensitising device or analytical tool.
Case study research and network theory: Birds of a feather
By Evert Gummesson
In the centre of the article is a treatise of the two methodologies case study research and network theory. They have basic properties in common; above all they address complexity. As case study research is known among qualitative researchers only some specific aspects, which I consider less known and in need of dialogue and rethinking, are presented. In contrast, network theory is less practiced in management research, particularly when you consider the contributions from natural sciences. The article presents links between case study research and network theory and offers an overview of network properties. I do not as yet feel the time is ripe to offer a more structured comparison but rather to draw the readers’ attention to an opportunity for exciting developments in research methodology. The article ends with conclusions and recommendations.
About Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management
Traditionally the management and organization field has been dominated by research studies based on quantitative techniques of data collection and analysis. Yet increasingly there is an interest in the 'in-depth' studies that are produced from qualitative work. Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management is an international journal committed to encouraging and publishing qualitative work from researchers and practitioners within the management and organizational field throughout the world.
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