Longitudinal Multiple Case Study Research Articles

Engineered and emerged collaboration: vicious and virtuous cycles

Inter-organizational collaboration within the construction industry consists of both engineered and emerged aspects. Engineered formal practices and emerged informal practices interplay in their influence on the overall success of client-contractor collaboration. This interplay has been recognized but is still understudied and requires further research to increase the understanding of how the interplay functions. To enable the study of the emerged aspects of collaboration we applied a practice-based approach in a longitudinal multiple case study, including four projects for operation and maintenance of road infrastructure. This paper contributes to the literature on collaboration in construction by providing detailed examples of how the interplay between engineered and emerged collaboration may unfold, showing how formal and informal practices contribute to the development of vicious and virtuous cycles of collaboration. Furthermore, our findings indicate that a virtuous cycle of only informal practices can become a weakness if unexpected problems occur. Project managers should therefore be encouraged to implement formal collaboration, even if the project team is already in a virtuous cycle of informal collaboration.

The dynamics of entrepreneurial networking logics: evidence from United Kingdom high-tech start-ups

PurposeThis study aims to explore how entrepreneurial firms' networking logics may change under different types of perceived uncertainty. The arrival of new knowledge from the entrepreneurial firm's network may alter the perceived technology and market uncertainty that in turn determines how the firm adopts or combines the two opposing logics of causation and effectuation. Focusing on the roles of external advisors recruited by the firms, the study probes the details of the cyclical process and the mechanism through which networking logics are altered.Design/methodology/approachIn this study the authors conducted a 3-year longitudinal multiple case study of 12 United Kingdom (UK) high-tech start-ups from prefounding to A-round funding with 54 semistructured interviews and meeting observations.FindingsThe knowledge of external advisors with distinct experience often reshapes the entrepreneurial firm's perceptions of uncertainty, leading to logics change in network development. The authors identify two types of knowledge brought by external advisors and discover how these can influence three networking logic pathways under different levels of technology and market uncertainty.Originality/valueThe study is one of the first to map the paths of changing logics along with different types of uncertainty in the context of entrepreneurial network development. The study unpacks one of the key mechanisms of networking logic changes: the knowledge and expertise of those advisors recruited by the entrepreneurial firms. The process model of changing logics contributes to the effectuation literature and entrepreneurial network research.

Development of written L2 French: a longitudinal study of learners in the Norwegian school context

This paper presents a longitudinal multiple case study that focused on the development of the written interlanguage of four learners over their three years of learning French as a second language (L2) in upper secondary school in Norway. The development of macro-level syntactic complexity and the development of micro-level measures of accuracy in morphosyntactic features specific to written French were examined. In order to trace development of syntactic complexity, we used two well-established measures in the SLA literature: T-unit length and the number of dependent clauses per T-unit (Wolfe-Quintero et al., 1998; Verspoor et al., 2017), whereas the morphosyntactic features representing the basis for our analysis of accuracy were gender and number in the noun phrase in French. The results illustrated that the written French of all four learners clearly became more syntactically complex over the three years of the study. As regards the development at the morphosyntactic level, progress was less straight forward in the individual learners, and the developmental tendencies varied according to the nature of the features studied.

Knowledge Transfer Speed in Low Carbon Sector: Roles of IJV’s DC and Organizational Relations

Prior studies emphasise parent-IJV knowledge flows and dynamic capabilities to influence the speed of international knowledge transfer. However, the interaction between IJV-local relationships and dynamic capabilities to boost knowledge transfer speed over time are still debated in emerging markets. In this paper, we build on the dynamic capabilities concept and discuss their interplay with IJV’s organisational relationships to understand the changing speed of knowledge transfer in inter-phase and intra-phase perspectives. Based on a longitudinal multiple case study, we undertook two rounds of fieldwork in 2018 and 2020, with 37 informants in 66 semi-structured interviews. Our findings propose the knowledge transfer of IJVs both reside within the outset of the IJV-parent and the IJV-local relationship. IJVs can develop their sensing, assimilation and transformation capabilities by effectively developing and leveraging their relationship with their parents and various local partners to facilitate knowledge transfer speed across absorption, implementation, and innovation phases. To facilitate knowledge transfer speed, sensing capabilities enable IJVs to identify knowledge gaps in learning transferred knowledge and access external knowledge to fill the gaps, while assimilation/transformation capabilities use acquired external knowledge to enhance IJV’s knowledge base through integration or reconfiguration. Overall, the interaction between dynamic capabilities and external knowledge across phases builds a sustainable competitive advantage in operating in the domestic market and approaching international markets.

External Enablers: Emergence, Novelty, and Persistence of Entrepreneurial Initiatives

There is a growing consensus that exogenous, environmental changes can affect entrepreneurship. However, the external enabler framework, which provides structures and terminology to analyze these enabling effects, has typically focused on new venture creation. In an attempt to extend the external enabler framework, we explore how environmental changes enable the emergence, novelty, and persistence of entrepreneurial initiatives within established organizations. Grounded in a longitudinal multiple-case study, our findings corroborate several aspects of the external enabler framework and extend it by identifying additional mechanisms and relational qualities of external enablers critical to understanding entrepreneurial initiatives in established organizations.

Entrepreneurial Creativity form a Practice-based Perspective

Novel ideas in the business world are often linked to entrepreneurship via entrepreneurial opportunities, no matter whether conceptualized from the discovery or the creation point of view. Notwithstanding the close link between creativity and entreprenuerial processes, only a few studies scrutinize this nexus, and particularly the role of context in shaping and changing these processes. Adopting the practice-based perspective, we focus on the journey of novel and potentially useful ideas in the business context and elucidate how different components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem as context affect generating, elaborating, championing and implementing of these ideas. Following a longitudinal multiple-case study in the Berlin entrepreneurial ecosystem, we studied 6 startups in this ecosystem for 18 months. The result unveils the micro¬-foundations that connect entrepreneurs and different components of the ecosystem and sheds light on how the entrepreneurial ecosystem contributes to entrepreneurial actions in general and different phase of creating and implementing novel ideas in particular.

Strategic Responses of SMEs to Crisis Environment: The Role of Organizational Identity

Global socio-economic shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, create a stiff environment that endangers the existence of SMEs. In this study, the concept of organizational identity is used as a possible explanatory factor of the strategic choice made by SMEs to respond to crisis. We employ a longitudinal multiple case study design to extract rich data from interviews conducted during twenty-month period with nine Russian SMEs in order to identify whether varying types of organizational identity serve as facilitators or deterrents of organizational adaptation. Our qualitative findings suggest that: a) firms with utilitarian organizational identity choose proactive strategic responses; b) companies with normative organizational identity implement reactive strategic responses; c) enterprises with dual organizational identity adopt a sequential approach to strategic responses. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism behind these relationships anchors in the different types of intellectual capital.

Making Sense of Hybrid Practices: The Role of Individual Adherence to Institutional Logics

Hybrid practices recombine core elements of different institutional logics in novel ways. They proliferate in our complex and uncertain world. As such, they elicit contrasting responses from people who encounter them, from strong rejection to enthusiastic adoption. However, extant research in institutional theory does not capture the process through which individuals come to form these responses. To address this gap, we conducted a comparative, longitudinal multiple case study of 14 high-net-worth individuals, examining their response to impact investing, an emergent hybrid practice that combines elements of the philanthropy and finance logics. Our study shows how individuals frame the hybrid practice as an alternative to one of the pure practices being combined (e.g., giving or investing), and how their degree of adherence to the logics at play (novice, familiar, identified) orient the sensemaking process. In particular, mere familiarity with the logics at play seems to foster individuals’ adoption of hybrid practices.

Developing the PhD thesis project in relation to individual contexts: a multiple case study of five doctoral researchers

The early phase of doctoral education is a critical yet under-researched period in PhD programs, when doctoral researchers must solidify their thesis projects prior to embarking on data collection. What makes this time particularly challenging is that new doctoral researchers synthesize their research thinking while they are still learning the expectations and nature of PhD research. This study draws on Emirbayer and Mische’s (1998) chordal triad of agency to explore how PhD researchers’ goals and experiences (individual contexts) influence how they approach doctoral research and develop their thesis projects during the first year of the PhD. The results of this small-scale longitudinal multiple case study of five first-year UK PhD social science researchers suggest that there are at least three approaches PhD researchers may adopt in developing their research projects, influenced by personal histories and post-PhD goals—pragmatic/strategic, idealistic, and realistic. In turn, these approaches may change over time as PhD researchers acquire experience and encounter critical events. Implications include the need for attention to a diversity of PhD researchers’ needs and goals, which may necessitate additional support or training in tailored areas, and a call for questioning the capacity of PhD researchers to contribute to/stretch the structures surrounding thesis writing.

Migrant pupils as motivated agents: a qualitative longitudinal multiple-case study of Russian-speaking pupils’ future ideal selves in English primary schools

ABSTRACT The paper discusses the findings regarding future possible selves based on research with Russian-speaking migrant pupils in English state-funded primary schools at Key Stage 2 (7–11 years old). Its aim is to explain the nature and characteristics of ideal selves of primary-level migrant children. The methodology comprises a qualitative longitudinal multiple-case study with five embedded cases. Evidence derives from 63 interviews and seven months of participant observations. Drawing on seminal work in language learning motivation research, the study uses an integrated drawing-based elicitation technique. The findings challenge earlier claims that middle-childhood level children do not have a clear future possible self, showing how pupils express diverse, at times pragmatic and practical but remarkably profound, ideal selves in their L2 (second language) schools. The study expands on the concept of the ideal self and calls into question any definitive conclusions in the field of primary level children’s ideal selves and learning motivation.

How can SMEs effectively embed environmental sustainability? Evidence on the relationships between cognitive frames, life cycle management and organizational learning process

AbstractCognitive frames help companies make sense of the intrinsic tensions of sustainability issues and influence how they respond to calls for sustainability over time. Yet, cognitive frames have been investigated as a static feature and previous studies have overlooked the evolutionary dynamics that can lead an organization to change its own frame. This study observes the evolution of life cycle management implementation through the theory of cognitive frames. We conducted a longitudinal multiple case study of 10 SMEs involved in a European‐funded project. Over a three‐year period we examined how cognitive approaches to sustainability issues changed according to different learning mindsets. A total of three cognitive frames and two learning mindsets were revealed from the analysis, thus providing two important contributions. First, cognitive frames are not static in time, but can change to give more importance to the environmental sustainability of a life cycle. Second, the type of learning mindsets that managers in SMEs share can trigger changes in organizational cognitive frames.

Recommendations made by patients, caregivers, providers, and decision-makers to improve transitions in care for older adults with hip fracture: a qualitative study in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundOlder adults frequently experience fall-related injuries, including hip fractures. Following a hip fracture, patients receive care across a number of settings and from multiple different providers. Transitions between providers and across settings have been noted as a vulnerable time, with potentially negative impacts. Currently, there is limited research on how to improve experiences with transitions in care following a hip fracture for older adults from the perspectives of those with lived experienced. The purpose of this study was to explore service recommendations made by patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and decision-makers for improving transitions in care for older adults with hip fracture.MethodsThis descriptive qualitative study was part of a larger longitudinal qualitative multiple case study. Participants included older adults with hip fracture, caregivers supporting an individual with hip fracture, healthcare providers, and decision-makers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants, with patients and caregivers having the opportunity to participate in follow-up interviews as they transitioned out of hospital. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically.ResultsA total of 47 participants took part in 65 interviews. We identified three main categories of recommendations: (1) hospital-based recommendations; (2) community-based recommendations; and (3) cross-sectoral based recommendations. Hospital-based recommendations focused on treating patients and families with respect, improving the consistency, frequency, and comprehensiveness of communication between hospital providers and between providers and families, and increasing staffing levels. Community-based recommendations included the early identification of at-risk individuals and providing preventative and educational programs. Cross-sectoral based recommendations were grounded in enhanced system navigation through communication and care navigators, particularly within primary and community care settings.ConclusionsOur findings highlighted the central role primary care can play in providing targeted, integrated services for older adults with hip fracture. The recommendations outlined have the potential to improve experiences with care transitions for older adults with hip fracture, and thus, addressing and acting on them should be a priority.

Evolving competencies to align electronic medical records - adynamic resource-based perspective on hospitals' co-evolutionary information systems alignment capability.

Advanced Electronic Medical Records (EMR) provide many potential benefits to hospitals. However, because of their broad scope, many stakeholders deal with the EMR and a continuous effort has to be made to keep up with internal and external change. Therefore, hospitals need to deliberately shape their organizational competencies considering the pursuit of alignment, i.e. making sure that the EMR remains optimally aligned with strategies, goals and needs of the hospital and its stakeholders. This paper aims to investigate the evolutionary paths of these alignment competencies and their drivers, from a theoretical perspective of co-evolutionary information systems alignment (COISA). This paper reports on a longitudinal multiple case study of three Dutch hospitals which each recently implemented an advanced EMR system. The authors conducted 35 in-depth interviews in 2 phases (before and after go-live of the EMR), and studied documentation related to the EMR implementations. The findings show that each hospital's COISA capability shows a different evolutionary path. However, two of the three case hospitals ended up coordinating part of their COISA capability to an ecosystem level, i.e. they incorporated other hospitals using the same EMR system to coordinate their alignment efforts, either from an operational perspective, or in terms of orchestration and strategy. The found evolutionary paths' key drivers include "stakeholder initiative", "accumulating experience", "driving events" and "emerging issues". The findings help healthcare practitioners to deliberately shape their organization's COISA capability in pursuit of EMR alignment. Furthermore, the authors add to the knowledge base on co-evolutionary approaches to alignment through the longitudinal approach.

Exploring the Process of Transformative Learning in Executive Coaching

ProblemThe important role played by executive coaching in the development of leaders is well established in the literature. While some scholars suggest that executive coaching fosters transformative learning (TL), there is insufficient empirical evidence to support this.SolutionThis study set out to investigate the process of TL in executive coaching from the coachee’s perspective. A longitudinal multiple case study was adopted to examine how three key transformative learning elements—disorienting dilemma, critical reflection, and rational dialogue—occurred in an executive coaching engagement and the learning outcomes that emerged. A key finding was that, in addition to the three accepted elements, there is a fourth element (acceptance) that precedes the rational dialogue. The results of this study informed the development of a transformative learning model, which could guide future research, theory, and practice in the field of human resource development (HRD).StakeholdersThe study will benefit scholars and practitioners in the fields of human resource development, executive coaching and leadership development.

How can principal leadership practices promote teacher collaboration and organizational change? A longitudinal multiple case study of three school improvement initiatives

How can principal leadership practices promote teacher collaboration and organizational change? A longitudinal multiple case study of three school improvement initiatives

User and stakeholder perspective taking in novice design teams

Abstract Taking the perspective of users and stakeholders can help designers incorporate human-centricity in their practice. However, we know relatively little of the dynamics of perspective taking – a cognitive facet of empathy – in design processes as a situated cognitive and behavioural activity, rather than as an overall orientation. To illuminate how perspective taking is used in design, we carried out a longitudinal multiple case study of 49-month-long graduate-level product and service design projects, exploring differences between high and midscale performance in different design phases. Through thematic analysis of review session discussions, we find that perspective taking in high-performing sessions involves three aggregate dimensions: gathering data to form perspectives, scoping and making sense of perspectives and using perspectives in creative processing. We identify phase-dependent characteristics for the scope and emphasis of perspective taking in concept development, system design and detailed design. We also describe different ways in which novice teams struggled to create and apply user perspectives. As a result, the current study sheds light on perspective taking and the changing nature of effective perspective taking across the design process.

How Can Providers Better Address Recovery Needs for Geriatric TBI Survivors?

Older adults are at increased risk for poorer recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI), incidence of pre-injury frailty, and comorbidity compared to younger adults. In this study, a longitudinal multiple case study approach was taken to describe gaps in health service delivery identified by older adults following mild-moderate TBI. Participants were interviewed at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post injury (5 times). In total, 57 interviews were conducted with 13 participants and transcribed verbatim. Codes were identified inductively to develop a codebook for guiding thematic analysis in NVIVO. Two independent investigators double coded 16 transcripts (28%) and reached consensus; remaining transcripts were allocated to the two investigators for independent coding and verified and reconciled with the other coder until consensus was reached. Many participants were happy with the care they received. However, ongoing health issues and TBI symptoms sometimes remained unaddressed. Follow-up and care planning would have been helpful for most patients as well as ways to address common balance and dizziness issues. Among some, the unwillingness to go to a provider for follow-up or adhere to medication and physical therapy exercises were issues. In some cases, providers were unable to help or understand the reason for patients’ symptoms (e.g., smell/taste changes, ear issues, etc.). Sometimes, providers did not address the issues that were of most concern to patients, or they would prescribe treatments that were not acceptable to patients. Empathetic, tailored, and patient-centered approaches are needed to improve care delivery and outcomes.

Syrian Women Refugees: Coping with indeterminate liminality during forcible displacement

This paper examines how forcibly displaced people cope with prolonged liminality through identity work. Our paper is based on a longitudinal multiple case study of women refugees who fled Syria and experienced liminality in Amman-Jordan, the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan and the United Kingdom. We contribute to the liminality literature by demonstrating how forcibly displaced people respond to extreme structural constraints and maintain cognitive control over their sense of self during liminality with an end date that is unknown. We develop the concept of liminality by illustrating how the actors were pushed into a state of ‘indeterminate liminality’ and coped by co-constructing it through three forms of identity work – recomposing conflicting memories, reclaiming existence and repositioning tradition. This enabled them to stretch the boundaries of indeterminate liminality, symbolically restore their familiar past and narratively construct a meaningful future.

Re-examining path dependence in the digital age: The evolution of connected car business models

Proliferating digitalization affects the evolution of business models across contexts and challenges firms’ established innovation trajectories. Prior work on organizational path dependence suggests that firms experience decreasing option spaces over time and ultimately arrive at lock-in situations that prevent them from reacting to changing environmental conditions. Contemporary business practice, however, challenges these assumptions, as firms—even industrial-age incumbents—appear to be able to escape lock-ins and restore choices. One potential explanation for this could be the flexible nature of digital technologies that are increasingly integrated into business models during digitalization. To explore how and why this process affects organizational path dependence, we conducted a longitudinal multiple case study on connected car business models. We derive four business model archetypes adopted by different companies in the automotive industry and by new entrants, and we describe their evolution over time. We find that the growing integration of digital technologies into business models increases the number of possible pathways and can help to break path-dependent behavior. Based on our findings, we challenge and extend established knowledge on organizational path dependence with regard to key tenets, such as initial conditions and lock-ins, and provide a nuanced perspective on path dependence's resource- and cognition-based foundations.

The micro-processes of supplier satisfaction: A longitudinal multiple case study

Supplier satisfaction has often been argued to be an important determinant for supplier performance in the buyer-supplier relationship. The micro-processes of how supplier satisfaction develops and how it relates to supplier performance, however, are not well understood. By means of a longitudinal multiple case study design of 18 buyer-supplier relationships, this paper provides insights into the micro-processes of how supplier satisfaction develops. Our findings provide several new insights. First, we observed how supplier satisfaction levels showed little change even though the buyer's behavior did not align with the supplier's expectations, thereby nuancing current conceptualizations of supplier satisfaction being a function of expected and realized relational value. Second, we show how intra organizational dynamics at the supplier influence the relationship between supplier satisfaction and supplier performance. Third, our findings give insights into the complex interplay between the relational and economic antecedents of supplier satisfaction.