DOC PREVIEW
OSU BA 352 - Interviews

This preview shows page 1 out of 3 pages.

Save
View full document
View full document
Premium Document
Do you want full access? Go Premium and unlock all 3 pages.
Access to all documents
Download any document
Ad free experience
Premium Document
Do you want full access? Go Premium and unlock all 3 pages.
Access to all documents
Download any document
Ad free experience

Unformatted text preview:

UsesNote takingInterviewsUses - confirm results of paper/electronic research- fill in gaps from initial research- clarify understanding or interpretations - add personal perspectives- discover additional perspectives or insights-Key skills The ability to: - develop questions that will get meaningful answers- to ask open-ended questions spontaneously- to establish rapport and create an atmosphere of trust and openness- to take complete and accurate notes without infusing one’s own ideas or viewsTypes Structured: predetermined list of questions arranged in same format. All interviewees asked same basic questions plus necessary follow-up questions. Limits questions to predetermined topics and focuses interview. Interview is a formal, fact-finding research tool.Unstructured: interviewer and interviewee converse without any preset format. May cover a wide range of subjects. Different people may be asked entirely different questions.Semi-structured: a combination of key structured questions with opportunity for free flow exchange.Preparation Review research results to identify interview objectives. What do you want to confirm, clarify or add to information team has already collected?Brainstorm a list of 5-7 topics, issues, or areas to be covered. Develop open-ended questions** to get more meaningful information than yes/no questions. Select the 2-3 questions in each area that focus best on your main areas of concern. Review questions for clarity and word choice. Be careful of using business jargon. Provide background information or definitions if necessary—without making the question too lengthy. Bounce questions off a neutral and knowledgeable source before the interview and revise if needed.Cluster your questions topically. This will keep interviewee focused and increase the likelihood s/he will elaborate on the topic at hand.Sequence your questions from general to more specific.Conclude your questions with an open-ended question. “What haven’t I asked about that I should have?” or “”You know quite a bit about ____. What aspect might I be overlooking?”Write a short introduction to start off the interview. Explain in general why you are conducting the interview, how it fits into your larger project and why you have selected (honored) this person with the opportunity to talk with you.Mr./Ms.---------------. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me/us. I am a student in BA 352, Organizational Behavior and part of a project team conducting research on business practices in ( name of country). We are looking at the differences in business practices between the U. S and (country) in the area of (focus area) We are talking to people like you who are knowledgeable about (country) to help us understand and add to the information we’ve been gathering from our library and internet research. 1InterviewsPractice the entire interview process, including note taking with someone else on your team or on another team. Scheduling tipsSchedule a specific time, at their convenience. Offer several alternatives. Would x, y or z be OK for you?Try not to schedule interview late in the day or right before lunchAvoid meet and eat interviews if possible, but be flexible.Leaving messages is OK, but note that many people discard messages from people they don’t know.Arrive 5 minutes early.Don’t interrupt a person while s/he is occupied with another person or agenda.Starting the interviewInterviewees typically have 3 major concernsWhy is this person interviewing me?Is this person qualified to talk with me on this subject?Can this person understand where I’m coming from?Begin with your prepared introduction and ask them if they have any other questions about the project or the interview process.Conduct the interview, moving slowly and calmly so the interviewee has a chance to think and focus on his/her responses.Focus your attention. Interviewing, active listening and note taking are demanding activities. Listen carefully for facts and opinions. Ask for concrete examples if theory, concept or jargon get especially confusing.If your mind does wander or if you don’t understand, say “I’m not sure I followed you. Could you say that another way?”Six types of answers might cause red flags:Sweeping generalizations “All Slovenians, Chileans…)Convoluted answers with complex terms you don’t understandAnswers that fit your preconceived notions too well.Confidential “just between us”Answers that begin with: As you well know, It stand to reason, Note taking Note taking is the most flexible and adaptable way to capture the data from the interview. Too much note taking can be distracting to the interviewee and may make you lose track of what is happening. Explain that you’ll be taking notes so you cite the information or perspectives or stories accurately.Note taking TipsGo in pairs. Alternate asking questions and taking notes or designate one person as the note taker, or…Borrow a tip from reporters. Divide your note paper into 2 columns. Note major conceptual points or ideas in one column; facts and data in another.2InterviewsDevelop a personal shorthand. Practice taking notes.Slow the pace. Ask clarifying questions or say, “That’s a good insight. Let me make sure I get that down so I don’t forget it.”Use nonverbal reinforcement. Do head nodding, “uh-huh-ing.”Concluding the interviewEase to a stop. Ask your concluding “Have I forgotten anything” question.Thank the person graciously for his/her time. A written thank you note, sent shortly afterthe interview, is always a nice touch.Compiling andanalyzing resultsType or write up your notes ASAP so your memory doesn’t decay. Note date, time and names of those interviewed. Flesh out the notes, add your impressions and other questions that you and/or your team might want to check out.Look over the interview notes and highlight significant information, patterns across interviews, and areas where you might still be unclear. Integrate material gathered from interview into the body of your report, using it to confirm or give examples.**Examples:Open-ended questionsOne of our areas of research is the difference in compensation practices between the U. S. and (country). We have found that CEO’s in the U.S. are the highest paid in the world and that (CEO’s) in (country) are paid much less, both at an absolute level and relative to the average worker. Based on your understanding, what are the factors that drive


View Full Document

OSU BA 352 - Interviews

Documents in this Course
Quiz Time

Quiz Time

11 pages

Load more
Download Interviews
Our administrator received your request to download this document. We will send you the file to your email shortly.
Loading Unlocking...
Login

Join to view Interviews and access 3M+ class-specific study document.

or
We will never post anything without your permission.
Don't have an account?
Sign Up

Join to view Interviews 2 2 and access 3M+ class-specific study document.

or

By creating an account you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use

Already a member?