Purpose

This study aims to explain the value of using critical realist case research in supply chain management (SCM). While positivist case research focuses on generalizable law-like rules, and interpretivist research explores social meaning, critical realist case research seeks to make objective explanations that are bound by the case context. This study demonstrates how a critical realist synthesis of causal reasoning and contextual complexity allows for stronger theorizing in SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

This study highlights the possibilities of conducting critical realist case research in SCM by investigating philosophical perspectives in existing literature.

Findings

Based on existing literature, this study identifies which parts of contemporary SCM research will benefit from the critical realist perspective. This study also contends that supply chain scholars can use critical realist case research to develop new types of contextualized middle-range theories.

Research limitations/implications

This study proposes to complement the qualitative SCM toolbox with critical realist case research to further refine the development of novel theories. This will benefit not only researchers but also managers, as it opens the doors to new and inspiring research.

Originality/value

This study takes an important step toward establishing critical realist case studies as a key methodology in SCM. While other scholars have introduced critical realism as a paradigmatic approach in SCM, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first article that develops a qualitative critical realist case research approach.

中文翻译：

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让我们了解背景：供应链管理中的批判现实主义案例研究

目的

本研究旨在解释在供应链管理 (SCM) 中使用批判现实主义案例研究的价值。实证主义案例研究侧重于可概括的类法律规则，解释主义研究探索社会意义，而批判现实主义案例研究则寻求做出受案例背景约束的客观解释。这项研究展示了因果推理和上下文复杂性的批判现实主义综合如何允许在 SCM 中进行更强大的理论化。

设计/方法/途径

本研究通过调查现有文献中的哲学观点，强调了在 SCM 中进行批判现实主义案例研究的可能性。

发现

根据现有文献，本研究确定了当代 SCM 研究的哪些部分将从批判现实主义的角度受益。本研究还主张，供应链学者可以使用批判现实主义案例研究来发展新型情境化的中层理论。

研究局限性/影响

本研究建议用批判现实主义案例研究来补充定性 SCM 工具箱，以进一步完善新理论的发展。这不仅有利于研究人员，也有利于管理人员，因为它为新的和鼓舞人心的研究打开了大门。

原创性/价值

本研究朝着将批判现实主义案例研究确立为供应链管理的关键方法论迈出了重要一步。虽然其他学者已将批判现实主义作为 SCM 中的范例方法引入，但据作者所知，这是第一篇发展定性批判现实主义案例研究方法的文章。