Critical Realism and Case Study Strategy in Entrepreneurship Research

Abstract

Case study is one of the most popular research strategies among the adherents of entrepreneurship. However, it is questioned in terms of the philosophy being used. This paper proposes Bhaskar’s critical realism as a coherent and a novel philosophical position that substantiates case studies to examine richer contextual phenomenon. Therefore, the compatibility of case studies with critical realist philosophy is argued. Further, the paper sets the scene for a discussion; the need of critical realism based entrepreneurship research. Realising entrepreneurship as a social phenomenon, it is argued that critical realism assists to contextualise research. Contextualisation even more facilitated as it favours a wide array of research methods to intervene the social world. However, critical realism cannot prove to be the right answer, its use depends on the researcher’s acceptance of its basis assumptions.