Convergent interviewing: a qualitative diagnostic technique for researchers

Abstract

Purpose -This paper aims to widen knowledge of and explore how convergent interviewing can be used to identify key issues within an organization. Design/methodology/approach -This paper introduces the convergent interviewing technique and describes the method of selecting the interview subjects. The construction of a round of interviews is explained. The content of the interviews is described and the particular probing nature of the questions demanded by the convergent interview process is explained. The ways to analyze the full set of interviews for groupings or categories is also described. The case study example of a broad research question about influences on work behaviors in a local government council is used to illustrate the convergent interviewing technique. Findings -The key issues revealed by using the technique can be subsequently used for a variety of research and consulting purposes and settings. Convergent interviewing is an effective research method, which conserves resources. Originality/value -Convergent interviewing enables researchers to determine the most important and/or key issues within a population rather than a full list of issues in an organization or barriers to change in a particular organizational context.

Expert In-depth Interview on Development and Efficiency of “RIGA International Airport” Reflecting Factors

“…Quantitative research proponents consider qualitative empirical data, which are obtained by methods such as expert interview, "unreliable, impressionistic and biased" (Jepsen & Rodwell, 2008). The researchers believe that the interview is nothing more than a casual talk.…”

Chinese relationship management: a qualitative study of banking in New Zealand

“…A process of 'successive approximation' generates continuous refinement or modification of method and content (Dick 1990). The approach's strength is that it combines an unstructured content of topics through the collection of broad information without specific questions; a structured interview process, involving rigorous data collection and analysis procedures; and a dialectical process in which an interviewee's views converge and diverge after each interview (Dick 1990;Jepsen and Rodwell 2008).…”

“…The study used convergent interviewing, a qualitative diagnostic technique for gathering exploratory information (Jepsen and Rodwell 2008;Rao and Perry 2003). This approach involves explicit procedures for designing, conducting and analysing a series of in-depth interviews with experts or experienced people (Dick 1990).…”

“…Two guidelines exist: a minimum sampling size of 12 people should be sought; and the appropriate sample size is determined when agreement is reached on the issues of interest (Dick 1990;Jepsen and Rodwell 2008).…”

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“…Preliminary desktop research was carried out and complemented with interviews using a convergent interviewing technique [37,38]. Convergent interviewing is data-driven: the respondent does the talking and the interviewer lets the data guide the interview.…”