Interviewing to Analyze and Assess Performance Improvement Initiatives

In the field of performance technology, the written questionnaire is the most frequently used means of gathering data—in some instances, the only method. In contrast, the interview is a less-frequently used survey method that also serves as a useful information-gathering tool, particularly in the preliminary stages of analyzing and assessing performance improvement initiatives. In addition to providing information to develop questions for written survey questionnaires, interviews may also be used as either a stand-alone procedure for producing information for subsequent analysis or in conjunction with other datagathering methods. This article provides an overview of three types of interviews that are useful to performance technologists. It also explains how to conduct interviews and describes the advantages and limitations of interviewing in person versus on the telephone.