Case study approach

Case study approach is a qualitative research method used to explore and analyze the behavior, motivations, and decisions of a particular individual, group, or organization in a real-world context. It involves collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources, including interviews, personal observations, and documents, to gain an in-depth understanding of the subject. The case study approach allows for detailed analysis of behavior, motivations, and decisions, and can be used in a variety of contexts, from organizational studies to public policy research. It can help to identify patterns, trends, and relationships, and can provide valuable insights into a particular issue.

Example of case study approach

• A case study of a particular company may involve looking at the organization’s internal operations and processes, as well as its external environment, to determine how the organization is responding to changes in the market or industry.
• Researchers may use a case study approach to examine the response of an individual or group to a particular event, such as an earthquake, or a medical intervention or treatment.
• A case study approach can also be used to investigate the effectiveness of a policy or program. For example, researchers can use a case study to assess the impact of a particular law or regulation on the behavior of individuals or organizations.
• A case study may also be used to explore how companies and organizations develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals. For example, researchers may look at how a company develops and implements a strategy for entering a new market or expanding operations in an existing market.
• A case study approach can be used to examine the effectiveness of an organization’s leadership and management. Researchers may look at how an organization’s leaders and managers are responding to changes in the external environment, as well as how they are motivating employees and encouraging collaboration.
• Finally, a case study approach can be used to explore the impact of a particular technology or innovation on an organization or industry. For example, researchers may look at how a particular technology has impacted the way an organization operates, the way it interacts with customers, and the way it competes in the market.

When to use case study approach

Case study approach can be a useful tool in a variety of contexts, such as:

• Understanding organizational behavior and decision-making processes: Case studies can provide a detailed examination of the motivations, decisions, and behavior of a particular group or organization.
• Investigating public policy issues: Case studies can be used to explore the impact of public policy initiatives on particular individuals, groups, or organizations.
• Exploring social and cultural phenomena: Case studies can be used to examine social and cultural phenomena, such as changing attitudes towards gender roles and gender equality.
• Examining conflict between individuals or groups: Case studies can be used to examine and analyze conflict between individuals or groups, such as disagreements over the use of resources or power dynamics within an organization.
• Studying the implications of new technologies: Case studies can be used to explore the implications of new technologies, such as the impact of mobile technology or artificial intelligence on how people interact.

Steps of case study approach

The case study approach involves several steps:

• Defining the research question: The first step is to identify the research question and the aims of the study. This will help to focus the analysis and ensure that the case study is structured in a way that is most likely to yield useful insights.
• Developing a research design: The next step is to develop a research design that will guide the data collection and analysis. The design should be based on the research question and aims, and should include details on the types of data to be collected, the methods of data collection, and the methods of analysis.
• Collecting and analyzing data: The next step is to collect data from a variety of sources and analyze it. This may include interviews, surveys, documents, or other types of data. It is important to consider how the data will be analyzed and interpreted, as this will shape the results.
• Reporting and interpreting results: After the data has been collected and analyzed, the results should be reported and interpreted. This may include presenting the results in tables and graphs, and discussing the implications of the findings.
• Drawing conclusions and recommendations: The final step is to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the findings of the case study. This may include recommending changes to policy or practice, and suggesting further research.

Other approaches related to case study approach

In addition to the case study approach, there are several other approaches that can be used to explore and analyze behavior, motivations, and decisions. These include:

• Qualitative research methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and surveys, that provide insight into the attitudes, beliefs, and motivations of people.
• Quantitative research methods, such as statistical analysis and mathematical models, which can be used to identify patterns and trends in data.
• Ethnographic research, which involves observing and analyzing behavior in the field in order to gain an understanding of a particular culture or group.
• Experimental research, which involves creating a controlled environment in order to test hypotheses and measure outcomes.

Case study approach — recommended articles

Case study research — Multiple case study — Single case study — Case study analysis — Case study methodology — Functions of research — Field of research — Exploratory case study — Methodology research design

References

• Fidel, R. (1984). The case study method: A case study. Library and Information Science Research, 6(3), 273-288.
• Meyer, C. B. (2001). A case in case study methodology. Field methods, 13(4), 329-352.