Case studies and a single, differentiated reality

Andrew Sayer

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, 2008, vol. 5, issue 1, 11-14

Abstract: Purpose - The paper's purpose is to provide a commentary on “Case studies and differentiated realities” a paper by Sue Llewellyn published inQualitative Research in Accounting & ManagementVol. 4 No 1, 2007 Design/methodology/approach - The approach is to draw upon critical realist and other philosophy of social science to respond constructively to Llewellyn's paper. Findings - Rejects the claim that we need a concept of plural realities rather than a concept of a single, differentiated reality. Endorses Llewellyn's argument that different meanings of objectivity and subjectivity often go unnoticed, undermining their user's arguments. Takes issue with Llewellyn's claim that surveys are better suited to stable situations and case studies for changing situations. Adds support to the defence of case studies against the charge of lack of representativeness, by drawing upon ontological arguments about part‐whole relations and upon defences of practical reason. Originality/value - The implication of these points is that a still stronger defence of case study approaches can be made.

Keywords: Case studies; Management research; Reality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.110 ... d&utm_campaign=repec (text/html)
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.110 ... d&utm_campaign=repec (application/pdf)
Access to full text is restricted to subscribers

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:qrampp:v:5:y:2008:i:1:p:11-14

DOI: 10.1108/11766090810861411

Access Statistics for this article

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management is currently edited by Lukas Goretzki and Thomas Ahrens

More articles in Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management from Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Emerald Support ().