scholarly journals From HRM to Employment Rules and Lifestyles. Theory Development through Qualitative Case Study Research into the Creative Industries

Author(s):  
Axel Haunschild ◽  
Doris Ruth Eikhof

In contrast to result-driven publications in which the academic narrative constructs the process of data analysis and the conceptual framework as purposefully designed and inevitably leading to the findings, this article will take a closer look at the concrete development of interpretative schemes and the openness of this process. We will do so by referring to an extensive empirical study of the German theatrical employment system. Following the course of our research project, the article will explicate and discuss (1) the decision for conducting qualitative rather than quantitative research, (2) the identification and definition of ‘what is the case’ and how this decision was influenced by ongoing data interpretation and changing and new theoretical inputs, and (3) the question of the generalisability of our findings. The main focus of the article, however, will be to explore the relationship between data and theory. We hope to encourage researchers to creatively use the inherent openness of data interpretation, and we argue that the freedom of qualitative research can only be used in a productive way if methodological decisions and data interpretations are driven by theoretical reasoning.

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 233-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Duff

Case study research has played a very important role in applied linguistics since the field was established, particularly in studies of language teaching, learning, and use. The case in such studies generally has been a person (e.g., a teacher, learner, speaker, writer, or interlocutor) or a small number of individuals on their own or in a group (e.g., a family, a class, a work team, or a community of practice). The cases are normally studied in depth in order to provide an understanding of individuals’ experiences, issues, insights, developmental pathways, or performance within a particular linguistic, social, or educational context. Rather than discuss constructs, hypotheses, and findings in terms of statistical patterns or trends derived from a larger sample or survey of a population of language learners, as in some quantitative research, a qualitative case study of a person presents a contextualized human profile. Case study has contributed substantially to theory development, generating new perspectives or offering a refutation or refinement of earlier theories in applied linguistics by analyzing linguistic, cultural, and social phenomena associated with children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults.In recent years, the purview of case studies in applied linguistics has expanded to include many previously underrepresented topics, linguistic situations, theoretical perspectives, and populations. This article provides an overview of some traditional areas of coverage and then newer foci in terms of methodology, thematic areas, and findings pertaining to language learners in transnational, multilingual, and diaspora contexts especially.


Author(s):  
Brian Gearity

Gagnon's (2011) text is the most recent contribution to the growing corpus of knowledge on case study research. As a whole, the text contains all of the typical parts one would expect in an introductory text on case study research. The text begins with a brief discussion of paradigms and epistemologies and then gives way to issues of reliability and validity. Next, the reader is taken through a "step-by-step" approach to case study research with chapters on data collection, analysis, interpretation and writing reports. Drawing upon his own experiences using case study method, Gagnon identifies enduring concerns and provides several practical tips for the novice researcher. However, the text could be improved by a clear definition of case study and a lucid explanation of the relationship between methodologies and methods.


2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catrin Johansson

Abstract Swedish research on organizational communication is characterized by empirical, qualitative research. The tradition of holistic and profound case studies is strong. In this article, a wide definition of organizational communication is employed, including research focusing on both internal and external communication. Research themes and methods are reviewed and discussed. The majority of the studies concern public information, including health communication and crisis communication. Particularly, scholars have studied planning and evaluation of information campaigns concerning health, traffic and environment; and more recently, authority communication during major crises in society. Research focusing on organizations’ internal communication includes topics such as superior-subordinate communication, organizational learning, sensemaking, communication strategies and communication efficiency. Strengths and weaknesses following from this empirical case study research tradition are highlighted. Finally, the contribution of Swedish research in an international perspective is discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (14) ◽  
pp. 2201-2210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elsie Breet ◽  
Jason Bantjes

Few qualitative studies have explored the relationship between substance use and self-harm. We employed a multiple-case study research design to analyze data from 80 patients who were admitted to a hospital in South Africa following self-harm. Our analysis revealed, from the perspective of patients, a number of distinct ways in which substance use is implicated in self-harm. Some patients reported that substance intoxication resulted in poor decision making and impulsivity, which led to self-harm. Others said substance use facilitated their self-harm. Some participants detailed how in the past their chronic substance use had served an adaptive function helping them to cope with distress, but more recently, this coping mechanism had failed which precipitated their self-harm. Some participants reported that substance use by someone else triggered their self-harm. Findings suggest that there are multiple pathways and a host of variables which mediate the relationship between substance use and self-harm.


2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nammi Lee ◽  
Steven J. Jackson ◽  
Keunmo Lee

This study examines how one sporting figure came to signify fundamental shifts in Korean society at the beginning of the 21st century—a time when Korean society was destabilized and seeking to reposition itself within the global economy. Guus Hiddink, a Dutch-born soccer coach, is credited with helping Korea attain its highest-ever ranking at the 2002 World Cup. Sporting achievements aside, Hiddink’s role as a foreigner and national Korean hero presents a unique and unprecedented case study of the relationship between globalization, nationalism, and neoliberal citizenship. Hiddink was the first foreigner ever to be awarded honorary national citizenship. Furthermore, his general coaching strategies and philosophies assumed a mantralike quality, popularly referred to as the Hiddink syndrome, that influenced wider cultural changes with respect to economics, politics, education, and the very definition of national citizenship and identity.


Author(s):  
Gary Goertz ◽  
James Mahoney

This chapter discusses quantitative and qualitative practices of case-study selection when the goal of the analysis is to evaluate causal hypotheses. More specifically, it considers how the different causal models used in the qualitative and quantitative research cultures shape the kind of cases that provide the most leverage for hypothesis testing. The chapter examines whether one should select cases based on their value on the dependent variable. It also evaluates the kinds of cases that provide the most leverage for causal inference when conducting case-study research. It shows that differences in research goals between quantitative and qualitative scholars yield distinct ideas about best strategies of case selection. Qualitative research places emphasis on explaining particular cases; quantitative research does not.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 19-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Bin Touq ◽  
Anthony Ijeh

The study explores the impact of participatory systems on information quality using Abu Dhabi as a case study. Participatory systems are used for deciding social change to affect residents and citizens positively. The case study research method was used to examine information quality in a participatory system. Content of the participatory system was assessed for information quality and it was found to support theoretical claims that Abu Dhabi residents and citizens participate in building sustainable competition using participatory systems. The limitations of the study are found in its focus on a single application, the app CityGuard. Through examining the use of CityGuard, specific issues were recognized which allowed the definition of steps on how its use could impact social change more positively. This paper presents findings from the use of CityGuard as a public participatory tool.


2020 ◽  
pp. 193896552097128
Author(s):  
Kadir Çakar ◽  
Şehmus Aykol

This systematic literature review aimed to investigate the use of case study method in hospitality and tourism research to increase the awareness about the use of case study as a research method. Data were collected ( n = 871) from 10 leading hospitality and tourism journals published between 1974 and 2020. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted using Leximancer as a computer-aided analysis software. The study findings reveal an overall mislabel and misuse of the case study method. Suggestions are provided to improve case study method applications and increase case study research for more theory development in hospitality and tourism research.


Author(s):  
Linda Stepulevage

This article draws on interviews and case study research on gender-IT relations to examine the relationship between gender identity and IT development activities. It explores the intertwining of gender and technological identity for women in office work contexts, a location where a boundary between the design and use of IT systems has long been recognised. It is important to explore identity construction within this framework of design and use as separate activities since women’s identity is constrained on both sides of this perceived boundary. The article first explores issues for women as IT professionals, then as users of IT-based work systems and lastly, it discusses the feasibility of constructing gender identities that encompass and recognise the technical work that both developers and users do.


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