Abstract
DuBois and Araujo, in their well-argued and interesting paper, raise a number of very valid points regarding the usage of qualitative methods and particularly case research. My commentary focuses on the point raised regarding the challenge of presenting case research, especially in the journal article format. My purpose is to extend the advice given by DuBois and Araujo in this respect. The argument made here is that the challenge of presenting case-based research, is to illustrate to the readers the learning process that led the case researchers to their conclusions.
Before developing this argument, however, I need to comment on my experience base regarding case research. Over the last 15 years, I have conducted everything from single-case longitudinal studies, spanning several years, to multiple case studies, involving dozens of different companies. I have also been frequently asked to review papers based on case research, for various highly ranked journals. Thus, my methodological bias, in so far it is prudent to speak of such, is and has been towards case studies. Well aware of the fact that we should justify methodological choices purely from scientific reasons, I cannot help but wonder if it is not sometimes so that we are biased towards certain methodologies, for reasons such as competence, personal interests or institutional factors. My fondness of case research apart, I am often concerned when I notice the inadequate way in which case research is at times designed, carried out and subsequently presented.