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Purpose: Case studies are detailed empirical investigations into a complex entity that emphasize the uniqueness of the case and are valuable for making a theoretical contribution. We aim to reveal the types of theoretical contributions case study research can make to the field of strategy and management and explore how case study design can create the opportunities for making a theoretical contribution.

Methodology/Approach: The dynamic capability approach focuses on the firm-specific processes through which firms integrate, build, or reconfigure resources. A comprehensive review of case studies in this field is conducted in five search engines, resulting in a data set of 13 in-depth case studies.

Findings: We demonstrate that using case studies to extend and refine theory enhances knowledge in the field of dynamic capabilities. In strategy and management research, case studies identify and refine constructs and their relationships, develop and confirm propositions, and embed constructs within a larger set of relationships. We reveal that sampling strategy, research setting, and multiple lenses are aspects of case study design that create opportunities for making a theoretical contribution.

Practical Implications: We suggest that case study researchers strategically and purposefully sample cases, vary the setting conditions, or draw upon numerous research fields to make a theoretical contribution.

Originality/Value of Paper: Going beyond the current discussion, we show that case studies have the potential to extend and refine theory. We shed new light on how dynamic capabilities can benefit from case study research by discovering the antecedents that shape the development of capabilities and determining the boundary conditions of the dynamic capabilities approach.

Welcome to the fifth volume of Research Methodology in Strategy and Management (RMSM). We are delighted to provide you with this latest installment of the RMSM series and hope that you will find it to be as informative and educational as we do. This volume represents the work of a diverse set of scholars, some of whom are former presidents and fellows of the Academy of Management, some are ascending and up-and-comers, while others are highly accomplished methodologists who come from outside the strategy field. All of the authors have drawn upon deep and rich methodological experiences to put together excellent chapters. Their contributions not only address important and timely methodological topics but provide plain and straightforward insights as to how we can improve the application of research methods in strategy and management.