INTERVIEW AS DIAGONOSTIC TOOL

Introduction Mostly used when an organisation engages out side consultants for diagnostic and development purpose. Sometimes interview methodology is also used by internal teams. It provides opportunity for face to face interaction. It may form 1 st and last stage of diagnosis. Interview could be in group or individual.

Purposes of Interviews Sensing and identifying strengths and weakness for further diagnosis. Getting deeper into a given problem bothering an organization. Testing out success potential of new ideas/actions/decisions and assessing organisational preparedness. Generation of ideas for existing systems and processes. Assessing general level of health and climate.

Forms of Interviews Highly structured to totally unstructured. Normally unstructured is used for exploratory diagnosis. Unstructured interviews require skilled interviewers. Semi structured interviews are useful for hypothesis testing and probing. Structured interviews are useful when the respondents are not in position to answer questionnaire.

How to Conduct? Interviewer should establish credibility and build rapport. Legitimise the diagnostic study by informing all those who are to participate. Interviewers should also clarify the purpose and assure of confidentiality. Use some of the open ended questions for many unknown responses. Keep interview free from noise and other disturbances. Do not try to put ideas into the mind of interviewee.

Group Interviews Used when large numbers are to be covered. A group of people of similar grade and status are called and interviewed. Create an open climate so that interviewees give information freely. About 6-8 is good size for interview. Chance should be given, who are speaking less. In group interviews inhibitions are removed and employees give lots of information.

Variables Studied/Diagnosed Interview can be used to study all variables however these are more common variables:- – Organisational norms. – Organisational values. – Management style. – Communication. – Decision making. – Job involvement, – Team work etc.

List of commonly asked questions for Diagnostic Interviews What is your job? How satisfied are you? What contributes to your satisfaction? What contributes to your dissatisfaction? What are some of the strengths of your organisation? What are some of the weakness in the orgn.? What improvements can be made? What factors provide you satisfaction? What frustrates you?

Assignment Study the diagnostic report Air Conditioners International and offer your comments. The report is given at page 33 of MS-10 book 04