Guidance on Theory Development from Case Study: A Study of Obamacare

Mengzhong Zhang and Aslan Sapiev

Public Administration Research, 2026, vol. 15, issue 1, 32

Abstract: This paper presents a technical guide to theory development from case study in public administration. The study uses the US health care reform, known as Obamacare, to demonstrate each stage of the theory generation process. The purpose of the work is not limited to analyzing the case itself but aimed at demonstrating the process of turning a practical problem into a theoretical concept. The study provides the reader with a clear understanding of how theories can be developed based on a real case and how these theories can be used to improve policy decisions and strategies. This research is targeted at answering the following research questions- 1. What are the key steps in developing theory from case studies in the context of public administration? 2. What methods and approaches are most effective in transforming practical cases, such as Obamacare, into theoretical models for solving problems in public policy and management? 3. How can theoretical models develop from case studies be applied to other pressing problems in public administration and public policy development? The paper recommends the following policies- 1) Incorporating case study theories into policymaking; 2) Developing adaptable tools for applying theories in different countries; and 3) Assessing public perception of reforms based on theoretical models. This paper also tries to develop theories- a. theory development; b. the rate of change of the theory; c. validity of theory.

Date: 2026
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