The role of the leader in a case study discussion

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to study how the leader’s role in a case study discussion is. In a case study it is the way to the best and the most convincing solution that is important. To be able to do that, it is in common to have a case study discussion where the participants exchange thoughts and ideas about the case with each other. A good case study discussion should lead to more understanding of the case and new approaches for the participants. Case study discussions are often perceived as confused, which is not the idea, therefore it is important that a leader is present during the case study discussion. To lead a discussion that both engages and enhances the understanding is a challenge for the leader. The leader’s role and tasks vary in a case study discussion. The leader’s role depends much on how the group is and behaves and also a lot on how the leader’s personality is. It is also important for the leader to feel how the group interacts together and if the group is used to work with case study discussions or not. The leader’s role may either be highly conductive and driving with a clear structure throughout the discussion, or can the leader take a more supportive role and ask a lot of questions to the participants or can the leader take a passive role and allow the group to drive and structure the discussion forward. The most important task for the leader is to ensure that the discussion is as rewarding as possible for all the participants. Keywords: Case Study, Discussion, Communication, The Leader, Roles