A Necessary Dialogue

Abstract

This article is premised on the understanding that there are multiple dimensions of the case-theory relation and examines four of these: theory of the case, theory for the case, theory from the case, and a dialogical relation between theory and case. This fourth dimension is the article's key contribution to theorizing case study. Dialogic engagement between theory and case study creates rich potential for mutual formation and generative tension. The article argues that the process of constructing and conducting the case is theory laden, while the outcomes of the study might also have theoretical implications. Case study research that is contextually sensitive and theoretically astute can contribute not only to the application and revision of existing theory but also to the development of new theory. The case thus provides a potentially generative nexus for the engagement of theory, context, and research.

Case Study Method in Human Resource Development: Reviewing the Research Literature

“…Theory acts as a conduit for generating practice, which underscores an informed practice. Theory can also challenge existing methods by questioning fundamental assumptions by examining their relevance and usefulness to practice (Rule & John, 2015). Either way, a researcher can design a case study to test or apply a theory to a given practice or to generate a theory from practice.…”

“…Relating theory to practice requires an understanding of existing variables, whether simple or complex. In case study research, such as professional development in higher education, a case study may arise from theories or practice by basing the study on the experiences of the participants within the study (Rule & John, 2015). Theory and practice in such a case may be derived from the existing knowledge or experiences of the participants in order to gain firsthand information in addressing a research issue or problem.…”

Case Study Research, Philosophical Position and Theory Building: A Methodological Discussion

“…Based on the above discussion, I align myself to the qualitative case study research and this paper is informed by the qualitative or interpretive research paradigm. Further, discussions on theory building in this paper are based on the qualitative case study research and follow the inductive reasoning instead of deductive reasoning of quantitative approach (Rule & John, 2015).…”

“…Thomas (2011) argues that case study research is not for drawing or building a theory as its focus is on particular and its findings are not generalizable. Stake (2006) also emphasizes on the role of case study research on particularization (Rule & John, 2015). According to Flyvbjerg (2006) the understanding about the case study research is overly misguided through its conventional thought that treats the case study research in limited sense to be used only in the preliminary stage of any research but does not provide useful findings itself.…”

“…In my understanding, selection of instrumental case helps researchers to illustrate the issue to the level of theoretical explanation. Rule and John (2015) have given the process of theory building from case which is depicted in the diagram given below. Rule and John have called it inductive approach of theory building guided by the qualitative research where reasoning starts from a specific case and reach into a stage of theory and have stated that "The theory emerges from a systematic collection and analysis of data about the phenomenon" (p. 6).…”