Case study research has two alternatives. A single case-study could be adopted by the researcher, or a combination of more than one case to form a multiple-case study could be used. Yin (2003) made a clear distinction between a single and multiple case studies. A single case relies on a particular case whilst a multiple case investigates a number of cases. According to him, a single case study is conducted for three main reasons: an existing theory is being critically tested; there exists an exceptional and uncommon case; and the case might be expository. Nevertheless, caution is required in using a single-case design as eventually; the case may not indicate what it seemed it might from the start. Additionally, generalisability could be limited, and biases exist where a single event is misinterpreted or guessed as a result of ‘unconscious anchoring’ (Leonard-Barton, 1990). Therefore, multiple- case design is promoted by several researchers as a result of: improved generalisability (external validity); extensive understanding and elucidation; and observer biases are contained. Generalising the findings of studies in relation to wide-ranging theories or social context save for those in which the data collection was made is referred to as external validity (Gill and Johnson, 1997; Yin, 1994). For instance, the logic of replication could occur whilst organisations being studied are compared in a systematic way (Jahkowicz, 2000); in a situation where from the different cases being studied, similar results are obtained, at that point, replication is said to have taken place, hence, results might be established for a greater number of cases that are similar (Yin, 1994; Blumberg et al., 2008). In line with this, a distinction was made between ‘literal’ and ‘theoretical’ replication by Yin. The first one is when related results are obtained from all case studies for predictable reasons, while theoretical replication occurs when dissimilar results are obtained from the cases for foreseeable reasons; Blumberg and his colleagues (2008: 377) referred to it as dissimilar cases that are selected and differ from each other on “theoretically important dimensions”. Secondly, in order to widen understanding and clarification, a multiple-case design is used, subsequently, whilst making comparisons of various sites, opportunities are not only
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afforded the researcher to discover the exact conditions in which a particular finding might take place but to possibly put forward other wide-ranging categories of how those conditions may be connected. Moreover, this design could afford the investigator more adverse cases to reinforce theory, by linking and exploring similarities and dissimilarities through cases (Miles and Hubberman, 1994). Following the above merits of multiple-case study approach is a third advantage, which is that the findings are likely to be more convincing as the replicated results would be more persuasive for the strength and thoroughness of the whole study (Yin, 1993, 2009).
Primarily, the study utilised a multiple case study design to enable a systematic investigation towards achieving the research aim and objectives and to increase the reliability and validity of the investigation (Denzin, 1989). Welch (1994: 140) is of the view that 'there is a need for qualitative studies which explore possible underlying relationships, and broaden the focus of examination to include the context in which IHRM activities occur'. Ferner (1997: 31) also supports that 'qualitative case study research follows through complex linkages, explores processes and uncover how decisions are really made in MNCs. According to Yin (1994), case studies can be categorised into single and multiple case studies. He highlighted some reasons why either of them is used; single case studies are used in cases where existing theories are critically tested, a rare case, and in a situation where the case reveals something. This needs to be carefully considered as it may not eventually represent its initial stance. Therefore, there might be some limitations in its generalisablity and some bias involved (Leonard-Barton, 1990). Consequently, multiple case studies have been subscribed to by so many scholars as this enhances generalisability (external validity); understanding and explanation are deepened and observer bias is minimised (Yin, 1994; Gill and Johnson; 1997) as various sites are compared and results are more likely to be convincing as replicated results from cases would result in a strong confidence in the study as a whole (Yin, 1993).
There are some advantages and disadvantages of a multiple case study design in comparison to the single case study design (Herriot and Firestone, 1983 in Yin, 2014). The facts substantiated from a multiple case study approach are most times considered more convincing and the entire study considered more robust and rounded. Also the rationale for selecting a single-case design cannot be typically satisfied by the choice of multiple cases; invariably, single case study design is likely to be applied only in unusual, critical or cases that are revelatory in nature (Yin, 2014). Furthermore, conducting a multiple case design is more cost and time consuming and may exceed the resources of an independent researcher. Therefore this decision is to be given careful consideration.
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According to Yin (2014), the selection of a multiple case study design will bring about anotherother set of questions and it is important to consider just as mentioned previously replication design which should reflect some theoretical interest.
3.5.1 Holistic Approach
The design of single and multiple cases can be either holistic or embedded. A holistic approach is employed when a single unit of analysis is employed for each of the several cases that were selected (Yin, 2003). Conversely, if the organisation’s sub-units are examined, then an embedded approach would be applicable (Yin, 1993, 1994, 2003). The holistic design is considered to be suitable for this study instead of an “embedded” approach. For these reasons: firstly, theoretical and empirical literature exists in the area of IHRM operating at the organisational level. Therefore, this approach is applicable for this research so as to add knowledge to the existing literature. Secondly, the aim and objectives of the study are reflected in the focus of the literature.
Figure 3.1: Research design for the study
In the light of the above, a multiple-case study design was chosen for this study as it allows for “iterative process of analysing within and across case data aims at producing relevant new variables and relationships as well as exploring theoretical explanations for these emerging relationships” (Yin, 2003: 122). Nevertheless, it could be argued that a strong basis for analysing these issues would have been provided if two or more host countries were compared; but on the other hand, as a result of time and financial limitations in conducting a single study, a single host country has been utilised to ensure an in-depth data collection and thorough analysis. Moreover, this is the first example of a qualitative
Multiple case-studies in four MNCs
Telecommunication Financial
Unit of analysis for individual case Transfer of HR practices
B-SA B-SP
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explorative study on EMNCs and HRM with the context of Nigeria. Furthermore, despite the growing number of EMNCs in developing countries, little attention is given to subsidiaries based in developing countries with respect to HRM strategies compared to developed countries (Lawler et al., 1995; Arthur et al., 1995; Napier and Vu, 1998; Myloni and Harzing, 2001).
Adopting a multiple-case studies approach helps to gain a deeper insight into the four case companies belonging to two sectors (see figure 3.1). In multiple-case studies, if there are similar findings across the cases, then it would be said that replication has occurred and results are stronger when more replications occur. The four cases are MNCs of two business types: telecommunication and financial. These cases are selected as they are likely to provide some rich data given their disparity. If the findings differ amongst the cases after the analysis is done, this would represent theoretical replication (Yin, 1994, 2003; Blumberg et
al., 2008).