Doing qualitative case study research: meaning, design and execution (part 1)

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to elaborate and examine the key concepts associated with doing a qualitative case study, including choosing theoretical lenses and their role in qualitative case studies. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts both descriptive and critical approaches in exploring the conceptualizing and theorizing phases in qualitative case study research. Findings This paper argues that, in addition to applying three principles to craft research questions in qualitative case studies, both the rational and intuitive approaches should be given equal attention when choosing theoretical lenses to explore a phenomenon. Further, by elaborating the differences and similarities between conceptual and theoretical frameworks, the appropriateness of the label of conceptual framework in qualitative research is justified. Practical implications The practical implications for novice researchers, including doctoral scholars is that, by clearly explicating the choice of theory or theories in their theses and by justifying their choice by applying the two criteria mentioned, they enhance the quality of theses in the eyes of examiners and evaluators. For experienced researchers, a clear, succinct, and well-laid out explanation of the rationale behind the choice and application of theories is likely to enhance the acceptance of their manuscript/work. Originality/value Given the limited exploration of choosing theoretical lenses and justifying their choice in methodological literature, this paper is the first attempt toward contributing to the ongoing debate on theorizing about a social phenomenon using rational and intuitive perspectives.