Effective Interviewing for Academic Research It can be quite difficult to obtain access to the most appropriate individuals. An introductory letter from the university pointing out that the research is worthwhile can be a distinct help. But often researchers have to compromise and interview those who are prepared to give them time for the interview. The primary issue here is that the researcher should try to reach the most appropriate people and this may take a considerable amount of time and it may be necessary to use indirect routes or indirect approaches such as approaching the gatekeepers. A gatekeeper is an individual or an organisation which can help a researcher obtain access to the right organisations and the most appropriate individuals within them. Gatekeepers may be auditors, consultants, professional institutions, chambers of commerce etc. Within an organisation personal assistants (PA) are often gatekeepers who have been known to jealously guard the time of their bosses and they have been known to simply refuse to pass on requests for interviews. Sometimes the only way of getting around the over protective PA is to accept an interview with another member of the organisation and then, when on the premises, try again to make contact with the intended individual. The detailed plan for an interview or a series of interviews is referred to as an interview protocol. Exhibit 1.1 at the end of the chapter shows an example of an interview protocol. In order to be granted an interview the researcher will normally have approached the individual or informant some time in advance. A gatekeeper may have been involved in introducing the researcher to the organisation and to the informant to be interviewed. If a gatekeeper is involved then the researcher should make independent contact, preferably by voice, with the informant before turning up for the interview. Sometimes an informant may ask for a letter from the researcher on a letterhead from the University setting out what is being requested and occasionally a letter from the researcher’s supervisor or Head of Department will also be required. An example of such a letter is shown in Exhibit 1.2 at the end of the 5
Field Methods for Academic Research - Intreviews, Focus Groups & Questionnaires
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