This episode explores the comparative case method—as developed by Professor Kathleen Eisenhardt—with Professor Pinar Ozcan. This research strategy involves using one or more cases to create theoretical constructs, propositions and/or midrange theory from case-based, empirical evidence. In the conversation, we touched on the strengths and perils of such an approach for management research, some tricks to collect and analyze data across multiple cases, and some general challenges of becoming an inductive researcher.

Our guest, Pinar Ozcan is Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and specializes in entrepreneurship and strategy in technology markets. Her current research includes the open banking project—where she is examining the industry disruption in banking through regulation and market entry of fintech companies—and the development of the sharing economy. She has also studied similar dynamics related to market formation and entry in the context of the gaming industry, mobile payments, and paid TV.