With their building on varied sources of longitudinal
data, it is not surprising that many of the
articles in this special research forum recount rich
and interesting stories: we readers learn how the
sport of cricket evolved over time from a conceptualization
as an artistic activity to a much more
business-like orientation (Wright & Zammuto,
2013); we trace the struggles, ups, and downs of a
newly formed public-private-third sector energy alliance
(Jay, 2013); and we follow the Cambridge
University Boat Club team as it prepares for its
annual race with Oxford (Lok & de Rond, 2013).
However, it is important to note that the authors
represented in this issue are not just telling idiosyncratic
tales; their stories carry important theoretical
messages. In addition, their research designs,
though sometimes deceptively simple, are
constructed in ways that add depth and weight to
their theoretical ideas. How is this done?