Extracting theoretical contribution of a qualitative research done with case study approach

Authors: Dr. Ajoy K. Dey and Dr. Shreya Mishra

Question: Are you looking for a way to generate theoretical contribution in qualitative research done with a case study approach?

Answer: Select such a unique bounded context which shows theoretical limits. It is the boundary beyond which the existing theory fails to provide explanation to the phenomenon. If you try to probe the phenomenon in a space where existing theory does not help you, new meaning or new understanding will emerge. You need to capture the experiences of the protagonist and other stakeholders through in-depth interviews and triangulate the data collected from other sources. Data from only secondary sources may not suffice. 

Let us first bring clarity about theoretical anchoring and how it is different from literature review?

Theoretical Anchoring Vs Literature Review

?      In literature review attempt is always to find what is not studied for a phenomenon (knowledge gap), while in theoretical anchoring it is about identifying what cannot be explained with the current theories (theoretical limitation) for the phenomenon under study. 

?      Because the focus is different, literature review happens before formulating research question, data collection and analysis. While the theoretical anchoring is done after the data analysis, hence it is data driven. It does not mean that the researcher does not do a literature review, but the focus is on determining limitations of the current theories.

?      Since it is about limitation, the role of context is vital. The researcher should find a context in which the phenomenon has not yet been studied. The boundaries of the unique context help the researcher in identifying the limits of the theory. 

?       In QCSR, as well as other qualitative researches that rely on theoretical anchoring, the research questions are often broad to capture in-depth data from multiple data sources and should include archival, current and futuristic dimensions. As against this, literature review leads to narrower and definitive research questions.

?      For a qualitative case study research

?      The approach of theoretical anchoring is to show the limits of the theory where it fails to explain the phenomenon

?      This is done by selecting unique context

?      In which similar studies have not been done

?      Drawing the boundary of the context very carefully

?      Once the boundaries are found, a new understanding of either the phenomenon or the theory or both can emerge once the limits are crossed

Let’s discuss four contexts that may generate new knowledge

Competitiveness of a multispecialty hospital

?      Competitiveness of a multispecialty hospital has been studied by many researchers

?      Adding another study to that will not generate new knowledge

?      But once the environment is described as highly dynamic, the scenario changes

?      The researcher then focuses on the agility or resilience dimensions of competitiveness and lands in a territory that is sparsely researched

?      New understanding and hence contribution may emerge.

?      Interview data from patients, doctors, administrators, regulators, attendants of patients will help in understanding the uniqueness

?      Only secondary data may not be able to capture full picture.

Workplace bullying

 ?      Workplace bullying has been studied by many researchers

?      Another research may not add any new dimension

?      Such a case will not be published due to its restricted appeal

?      But if a researcher selects a context in which bullying of neurodiverse employees can be studied, a different meaning of bullying regarding its antecedents, forms and coping strategies may emerge

?      The study becomes interesting

?      We need to collect data through interviews of patients, doctors, support staffs, policy makers, even bystanders

?      Imagine if similar studies can be commissioned in three different countries, how much new knowledge can be curated which can be used by policy makers and consultants?  

Women empowerment

 ?      Women empowerment has been researched well

?      Another research may not add value. It may not get published due to a lack of contribution

?      However, if the empowerment of women from marginalised sections of the society is studied, it may be of interest due to less number of studies

?      Such a study will help in developing a deeper understanding of women’s empowerment in the context of the marginalised sector

?      Further, if such women are empowered by getting them employment in a firm engaged in the circular economy, yet another dimension of empowerment will be known.

?      In such a context the evolution of identity through empowerment can be understood.

?      To understand the identity, you need to collect interview data of the empowered women.

 Social Entrepreneur as a Benevolent Leader

 ?      Promoter of Jaipur Rug enterprise can explain what is benevolent leadership in the context of women empowerment and financial inclusion.

?      Nothing exciting!

?      If the promoter of SOS Organics is interviewed, a different understanding of benevolent leadership will unfold

?      The context of SOS Organics is unique

–     It is located on the hills of Kumaon.

–     The promoter is extremely conscious of the sustainability of the environment.

–     He wishes to give back more than what he takes for doing business. 

–     Wishes to remain as a small firm with about Rs. 50 to 100 million turnovers, employing 20 – 25 local residents, and self-sufficient in terms of water and power requirements.

–     His goal is to replicate such a business model by involving local entrepreneurs.

?      To understand these forms of benevolent leadership, you need to peep into the mind sets of the promoters and other beneficiaries. 

 Conclusion

In each of the above four cases the selection of unique contexts helped the researcher to develop new meanings of the constructs. Existing understandings failed to explain the phenomenon. For example, what is competitiveness for a multi-speciality hospital in a dynamic environment is not defined. Similarly, what is workplace bullying for a neurodiverse employee is not well understood. Moreover, collecting and collating data from three different countries have helped in generating deeper understanding of the antecedents, forms and coping strategies of work place bullying for neuro diverse employees. In a similar manner, the unique contexts have offered the researchers to study the old phenomena of ‘women empowerment’ and ‘benevolent leadership’ and be able to derive new understanding. These are contributions of the respective cases.