Embedded case study is suitable to analyze the “why” and “how” management questions involving multilevel phenomenon, but it is lack of illustration about this approach in the extant literature. Through reviewing 22 papers published in top international management journals, we analyze the status about the application of embedded case study. The connotation and characteristics of embedded case study is induced based on the perspective of the analysis unit, as well as the research types. Finally, it is suggested that how to use the embedded case study better, which will help us better understand and apply it.