QUALITATIVE METHOD OF CASE ANALYSIS
EOPT THEORY

INTRODUCTION

Qualitative Case Analysis, as distinct from the Quantitative method, deals with organizational issues that impede or prevent companies from being effectively organized. Qualitative Case Analysis is typically used in Organizational Behaviour, Human Resource Management, Organizational Change, Industrial Relations or any venue that is significantly impacted by human interaction. This type of analysis identifies inconsistencies, incongruities and conflicts that are sub-optimal and allows the analyst to prescribe solutions that address both the acute problems facing the organization (the individual events or actions observed) and the chronic, underlying conditions that promote these sub-optimal conditions.

1. OVERVIEW

The Overview is a 5 – 7 sentence paragraph that establishes the context in which any analysis or decision must be made for the case in question. This section of the report indicates to the reader that the analyst (You) understands the circumstances of the organization’s dilemma. The writer must identify the key people involved, most critical event or events the have happened and the situation that has resulted. Finally, the writer must detail the apparent decisions that must be made.

Note: This is not an Introduction and absolutely no conclusions are drawn at this point. The writer is merely explaining what she perceives is the present situation. This is extremely important as the writer establishes her credibility immediately with the reader to the extent that one demonstrates one’s depth of understanding.

2. PROBLEMS

These are merely the list of those events, situations, actions or behaviours that are not appropriate to the organization at the time of the case in the context of the decision that the analyst is required to make. Relevance to the problem is crucial