Case Study in Croatian Administrative Science: Towards a Common Research Model?

Sažetak

This paper addresses the use of the case study as a research approach in Croa
tian administrative science, with particular attention on its methodological arti
culation and contribution to the field. The analysis encompasses journal articles
published in the journal of Croatian and Comparative Public Administration
over a twenty-five-year period, as well as doctoral dissertations defended at Cro
atian law faculties that rely on case study research. By examining how case
studies are presented and elaborated across these sources, the paper sheds light
on prevailing research practices and methodological patterns. The findings indi
cate notable differences between publication types: while doctoral dissertations
consistently provide detailed methodological explanations, journal articles only
rarely offer systematic accounts of case study design and implementation. This
divergence highlights the varying expectations and constraints shaping scholarly
outputs within the discipline. At the same time, the diversity of research topics
and units of analysis characteristic of administrative science suggests that the
case study remains a flexible and evolving research approach. Through its appli
cation, researchers not only explore complex administrative phenomena but also
contribute to the gradual refinement and shared understanding of case study
methodology within the field.