Case studies are about real-life situations found at the end of each chapter in your text Effective Leadership: Theory, Cases, and Applications. They involve an in-depth observation of a “case” such as an event, process, or person. Additionally, case study assignments usually ask you to go further, to analyze the set of circumstances in relation to theory on the topic and possibly make some suggestions to solve a problem. For example, in business courses, the task may be to examine a company’s marketing strategy, human resources policy or some other aspect of their business with which they are experiencing difficulties or which may be undergoing change. In “people oriented” professions such as teaching, nursing or human services, you may be asked about learning strategies; a client’s health or personal circumstances; or, how their healing or self-efficacy‟ are being assisted.
The first stage of any case study is to observe what is taking place. It is important to be as honest as you can and not make your observations “fit” the theories you have read about. These observations are your data and require careful consideration within the confines of the task. Case studies require you to demonstrate the skills of observation, analysis, problem solving, together with an understanding of ethics and professionalism. They should be written in formal, professional language. Describes the case, connects to appropriate theory, lists the relevant data, interprets the relevant data, discusses possible alternatives, and proposes a course of action.
The case study is attached to the order below. The following directives should be used to organize thoughts about a case. As you perform the analysis remain open to the fact that the interpretation of the facts may change and therefore you should constantly revisit your answers. All the below directives are to be addressed:
1. List relevant qualitative data
Find evidence related to or based on the quality or character of something.
2. List relevant quantitative data
Find evidence related to or based on the amount or number of something.
3. Describe the results of your analysis
What evidence have you accumulated that supports one possible answers to your questions?
4. Describe alternative actions
List and prioritize possible recommendations or actions that come out of your analysis. These alternative actions may be for the current case, or how you might apply the same/different related concepts to your past/current/future organization.
5. Describe your preferred action plan for your current/desired position
Write a clear statement of what you would recommend as a possible, similar/different outcome than what was described in the case for your past/current/future organization.