What is the Eisenhardt Method, really?

This essay sharpens and refreshes the multi-case theory-building approach, sometimes termed The “Eisenhardt Method.” The Method’s singular aim is theory building, especially with multiple cases and theoretical logic. Its defining features (e.g. research questions without obvious answers, careful cas...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Strategic organization Vol. 19; no. 1; pp. 147 - 160
Main Author: Eisenhardt, Kathleen M
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: London, England Sage Publications, Inc 01.02.2021
SAGE Publications
Sage Publications Ltd
Subjects:
So!apbox Essay
field research
research methods
qualitative methods
case method
grounded theory
ISSN:1476-1270, 1741-315X
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:This essay sharpens and refreshes the multi-case theory-building approach, sometimes termed The “Eisenhardt Method.” The Method’s singular aim is theory building, especially with multiple cases and theoretical logic. Its defining features (e.g. research questions without obvious answers, careful case selection, well-identified constructs and relationships, theoretical arguments, boundary conditions) reflect this aim. I begin with the influence of the 1980s, including grounded theorizing and case logic. Relying on exemplars, I illustrate the Method’s defining features. I also address common misconceptions (e.g. types of data, number of cases, performance emphasis). These miss the Method’s essence and imply a rigid template that does not exist. Instead, the Method’s relatively few defining features enable a wide variety of research possibilities. I conclude with what I would write today like a richer palette of research choices, more emphasis on time, and flexible philosophy of science. Yet the core message of theory building would remain.
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ISSN:1476-1270
1741-315X
DOI:10.1177/1476127020982866