Abstract

ROMAN CASTILLO, Ruth Esperanza  and  SMIDA, Ali. AN EX POST FACTO REFLECTION ON THE CONDUCTION OF MULTI-CASE STUDIES FOR THEORY-BUILDING IN MANAGEMENT SCIENCES. Innovar [online]. 2017, vol.27, n.64, pp.129-144. ISSN 0121-5051.  https://doi.org/10.15446/innovar.v27n64.62373.

Unique and multiple case studies have effectively demonstrated their potential contribution for theory-building in Management Sciences. Several researchers who support this statement appeal to the concepts and orientations proposed by Yin (1994, 2014) and Stake (2006), especially, since these authors have become a frequent referent for research works based on case studies. An experience in the planning, execution and analysis of a multi-case study, under a scenario of limitations with researchers and the lack of background initial models, is used for depicting a specific route towards the search of theoretical constructions on this phenomenon. As a result, it is concluded that the development of this type of studies does not always follow a deliberate initial planning, nor obeys the logic of replication. Instead, case study reports are the result of further rationalization processes that hide or skip doubts, changes in orientation and approaches, failed trials, particularities of companies and participants object of study, and the permanent adaptation to unforeseen events. A set of learned lessons is proposed in order to formulate some recommendations transferable to other research situations.

Keywords : Multi-case studies; qualitative research; theory-building; Management Sciences.

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