Single case research methodology: a tool for moral imagination in business ethics

Abstract

Purpose -Although there are often utilized the case research method for teaching purposes, it is not a method employed to move forward in scientific research into business ethics, perhaps due to criticism levelled against it. The precise aim of this work is to expound and argue for its use within the framework of scientific hypotheticaldeductive methodology. Design/methodology/approach -The opportunities offered by this methodological approach, both from an inductive (Eisenhardt, 1989;Dyer and Wilkins, 1991) and a deductive perspective (Yin, 1993;Carson et al., 2000) have been wasted, creating a need for scientific contributions within this area; hence this study. It was carried on a theoretical approach of the use of single case applied to corporate management based on religion and spirituality inclusion. Findings -The results obtained indicate that the single case research method makes it possible to put forward alternative hypotheses to the dominant hypothesis, making contributions to the theory. Concretely, the scientific legitimacy of its use is justified by what it has been called "possibilistic hypothesis" for what it is not necessary to collect a large data or make an empiric research. Practical implications -In the field of business ethics these hypotheses (possibilistics) make alternatives stand out that widen the moral responsibility of decision-makers. It implies an open mind for decision-makers and rigorous arguments using just a single case. Reinforce and make them easier based on moral imagination improvement. Originality/value -It is complex the decision process, but this rich method, the singlecase study could permit establishing rigorous and robust decisions easily. It is not use the case study widely for management, but this perspective could enrich and increase its use.

Lean implementation: analysis of individual-level factors in a biopharmaceutical organisation

“…As this research focuses on the motivation and involvement of the entire team as a single case study in one organisation, representatives from a variety of functions in the company were included in the study. A single-case study can capture and suggest explanations for interdependencies and interactions within a particular context as highlighted by Retolaza and San-Jose (2017). Single-case researchers can craft the case and matching it to the emerging theoretical framework.…”

Understanding Social Accounting Based on Evidence

“…Given that a hypothesis is refuted when some cases that falsify the said hypothesis appear when proposing the “impossibility of conducting specific social accounting in an entity” hypothesis, and one or more cases are identified in which this has been possible, then the hypothesis of impossibility can logically be refuted. The fact is that it does not necessarily confirm the hypothesis that it is possible to apply social accounting in all cases, but it does confirm that it is possible in some cases (see Retolaza & San-Jose, 2017 for further clarification of the methodological approach). A qualitative analysis for understanding why they have developed could be read at Lazcano and Beraza (2019).…”

“…In methodological terms, there are two possible approaches: first, conducting a broad set of social accounting processes, identifying the regularities, and proposing generalizations (inductive method), and second, working with a possible hypothesis based on practicing theory (Retolaza & San-Jose, 2017).…”

Is e-learning a panacea for the current challenges of business ethics teaching?

“…These three aspects of the goals enhance the importance of holistic teaching. It is not constrained to transferring knowledge of basic theories and concepts, but it focuses on their application (García-Rosell, 2019), enhancing competencies and moral imagination (Retolaza & San-Jose, 2017), and students' attitudes. The latter means enforcing reflection processes, for instance, in the sense of students integrating societal values with their own values (Harris & Sandhu, 2017), and developing moral sensitivity, spirituality, and empathy (Baker, 2017).…”