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In search of theory? The workplace case study tradition in the 21st century

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  • McGovern, Patrick

Abstract

Workplace case studies have been valued by some for their ability to advance theory while others dismiss them as little more than descriptive stories. This paper presents a detailed content analysis of case study articles to assess the relative balance between theory, conceptual analysis and description. Drawing on a random sample of papers (n = 173) published in leading journals, I find that fewer than one in seven are descriptive papers while only one in ten are theory oriented. Using three criteria, I identify exemplars of theoretical and conceptual analysis and show how these may be used to advance the field.

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  • McGovern, Patrick, 2020. "In search of theory? The workplace case study tradition in the 21st century," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 103926, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:103926
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Lijphart, Arend, 1971. "Comparative Politics and the Comparative Method," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 65(3), pages 682-693, September.
    7. Patrick McGovern & Diego Alburez-Gutierrez, 2017. "Who takes workplace case-study methods seriously? The influence of gender, academic rank and PhD training," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(2), pages 98-114, March.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns
    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General

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