CASE STUDY RESEARCH IN ACCOUNTING

SYNOPSIS: We describe case study research and explain its value for developing theory
and informing practice. While recognizing the complementary nature of many research
methods, we stress the benefits of the case studies for understanding situations of
uncertainty, instability, uniqueness, and value conflict. We introduce the concept of
phronesis—the analysis of what actions for developing, and reflecting on professional
knowledge. Examples of case study research in managerial accounting, auditing and
financial accounting illustrate the strengths of cases studies for theory development and
their potential for generating new knowledge. We conclude by disputing common mis
conceptions about case study research and suggesting how barriers to case research may
be overcome, which we believe is an important step in making accounting research more
relevant.

INTRODUCTION
Accounting research is periodically challenged about its practical relevance and its
progressive scientific achievements (Reiter and Williams 2002; Hopwood 2007). Case
studies can help researchers respond to these challenges and contribute to relevant
knowledge. We use examples from financial and managerial accounting and auditing to
show the value of the case studies in making accounting research matter, both for
development of theory and for improving practice. In so doing, we identify four types of
case study and show how each type can enhance accounting research and practice. We
conclude by reflecting on some of the reason that case study may in fact be discouraged,
and suggest some avenues to address this situation.
Most account are familiar with case studies in relation to teaching. They provide vivid
examples that can be use for many purposes, not least to generate an appreciation of the
wat a general principle can be applied in specific and often complex, settings. In this
paper we concentrate on case studies for research purposes, showing how the benefit that
are widely recognized for teaching purposes can also enhance accounting research. A
crucial difference between teaching and research-oriented case studies in central role of
theory in the latter. Moreover we, show how research-oriented case studies are valuable
for practitioners.
Case studies are a research approach, a systematic and organize way to produce
information about a topic, as well as the product of this approach, for example, a paper
(stake 2000). For the approach we are recommending, various terms can be used,
including field studies, interpretive studies, qualitative research, small n (small sample)
studies, action research and constructive research. Unfortunately, none of these terms is
entirely satisfactory for reasons that will become clear in the paper. For us, case study
research is an in-depth and contextually informed examination of specific organization or
events that explicitly address theory.
The case study approach does not prescribe what theories should informed the study of
which mentals should be used for gathering and analyzing data. Base on the problem and
research questions being addressed, a variety of mentals may be used including analysis
of archival materials, observation, interviews, and quantitative techniques.
Case studies focus on bounded and particular organizations, events, or phenomena, and
scrutinize the activities and experience of those involved, as well as the context in which
these activities and experiences occur (stake 2000). The case study research is useful
where the researcher is investigating.
complex and dynamic Phenomena where many variables (including variables that are not
quantifiable) are involved.
actual practices, including the details of significant activities that may be ordinary,
unusual or infrequent (e.g. changes in accounting regulation): and
phenomena in which the context is crucial because the context affects the phenomena
being studied (and where the phenomena may also interact with and influence its
context).
Yin (1989) notes that the case studies are suited to answer “how” and “why” questions.
Furthermore, well done case study research answers how and why so compellingly and
vividly that readers understand and remember the findings the study reveals. Practitioners
find “how” questions to be particularly important --- for example, case studies are
valuable in describing the details of how new accounting and auditing innovations are
actually done. Providing details helps convert private knowledge (for example, the
detailed procedures and calculations that are otherwise hidden in the reports or minds of
innovators) into publicly available knowledge. Unlike the “action research” some
espouse (Kaplan 1998), a theory-oriented case study requires explicitness in the theory
underlying the case analysis, and in the contributions to the theory development or
testing.
Case studies also address “why” questions illustrating why something was done or came
to be, when and why something works.

Schon (1983, 50) argues that case studies are valuable to the “entire process of reflection-
in-action, which is central to ‘art’ by which practitioners sometimes deal well with
situations of uncertainty, instability, uniqueness and value conflict.” Such case research
considers the values, interests, and operations of power involved – who gained, who lost,
and why.
While researchers may disagree about what should be done, a good case will stimulate
reflection and learning about the actions of all involved, including the researcher. Action
or constructivist researchers often use cases to describe example of an accounting
intervention, but they too often neglect the theoretical lessons to be learned (Jonsson and
Lukka 2007).
 UNITED METHODIST
UNIVERSITY
Ashmun Street
Monrovia, Liberia
Course: Accounting 448

Section: 1

Topic: Case Approach in Accounting Research

ID#: 24715

Submitted By:
Jefferson Tiah

Submitted To: Samuel Cummings

DATE: May 19, 2023