Theory Building From Cases: Opportunities And Challenges
2007/02/01 by Kathleen M. Eisenhardt, Melissa E. Graebner · 16,243 citations
Business, Management and Accounting · Decision Sciences · Engineering · Mathematics · Social Sciences · #Computer science #Economics #Empirical research #Engineering #Epistemology #Evaluation and Performance Assessment #Information Systems Theories and Implementation #Knowledge management #Management #Management and Organizational Studies #Management science #Mathematics #Operations research #Organizational theory #Positive economics #Replication (statistics) #Sociology
paper · doi:10.5465/amj.2007.24160888
published in Academy of Management Journal 50(1), 25-32 (Academy of Management)
openalex publication_date 2007/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
Abstract
This article discusses the research strategy of theory building from cases, particularly multiple cases. Such a strategy involves using one or more cases to create theoretical constructs, propositions, and/or midrange theory from case-based, empirical evidence. Replication logic means that each case serves as a distinct experiment that stands on its own merits as an analytic unit. The frequent use of case studies as a research strategy has given rise to some challenges that can be mitigated by the use of very precise wording and thoughtful research design.
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