Using Case Study Research to Build Theories of IT Implementation

Abstract

In this paper, we present and illustrate how the approach proposed by Eisenhardt (1989) for building theories from case study research can help researchérs understand and explain the inherently dynamic nature of numerous IT phenomena. The approach, which adopts a positivist view of research, relies on past literature and empirical data as well as on the insights of the researcher to build incrementally more powerful theories. We describe in some detail how this methodology was applied in a particular research study on IT implementation and how the use of this approach contributed to the discovery of a number of new perspectives and empirical insights. Furthermore, we discuss when it is appropriate to follow, to ignore, or to modify the suggestions made by Eisenhardt. Overall, using Eisenhardt’s approach as a starting point, our objective is to provide a more complete and detailed guide for using case studies to build theories within the MIS field.