CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.8 Interviews
Interviews were used as a process of collecting data by the researcher, these were considered to be a beneficial way to gain a comprehensive insight into how the participants feel and their views and perception on the study under discussion. Semi- structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted (Appendix 2), the duration of interviews averaged 45 minutes and were conducted in offices of the participants and these allowed the researcher to probe further any discussions that were deemed to be relevant to the study.
The participants were allowed to express their views, using their own words, on what they really understood about the impact of leadership development in the acceleration of black talent and these views responded to the interview questions asked by the researcher.
Cresswell (2017) explained how qualitative research approach would differ from quantitative approach studies as the outcomes between the two are never the same.
However, the intimate link between qualitative and quantitative studies will always be there as it is driven by the type of method and the research questions. The resources and the experience of the researcher is complemented by the chosen methodology
89 and that helps in driving the research questions. The formulation or refinement of research questions also takes place as the quantitative study develops. On the other hand, in qualitative research, the refinement of the questions would always require the commencement of a new study. Moriarty (2011) specified that the common method for collecting data is interviews in qualitative research study, and this is regarded as a highly agile and acquainted way on engaging views, how people feel, unlocking the experiences and expertise of participants.
Setting up interviews and undertaking data analysis takes a significant amount of time, interviews also comes with a substantial amount of data that is to be collected from such interviews. Interviews of a qualitative nature are often described as in-depth or semi- structured. Donalek (2005) cited in Poulton (2014), observed that qualitative research is often used by researchers who see interviews as an appropriate way of collecting data and developing appreciation of the respondents and their perspective on the topic.
Interviews have been the most frequently used tool for data collection since qualitative research originated (Al Yateem, 2012; Poulton, 2014). Fontana and Frey (2014) indicated that interviews serve as a reliable technique for data collection as they provide an accurate record of the participants’ actual responses and perspectives, and the authenticity is genuine as an audio recording cannot be edited. The researcher abstained from leading the participants into providing responses that were deemed appropriate for the research study, but rather allowed them to freely express their thoughts, opinions and experiences about the research topic. It is essential for a researcher to thoroughly understand the research topic that is being investigated so that the correct questions can be posed to the participants in order to benefit the study.
If a researcher is not fully aware of the research topic, it could prove quite a challenge during the course of the interview as there would be uncertainty on when to probe further to obtain a more thorough response (Poulton, 2014).
The researcher was resolute about ensuring that participants were comfortable in speaking about their perceptions, experiences and feelings relative to the research topic, without participants feeling a sense of obligation to relate their accounts of the
90 subject to general social standards and preferences. The researcher also found it essential to record all interviews digitally, in order to ensure that all data were captured accurately. However, Poulton (2014), expressed the view that participants may become guarded due to the interview being recorded, and may be reluctant to freely express themselves. All the participants were comfortable with the recording of interviews. Data were gathered through interviews with selected participants who the researcher viewed as being key to providing invaluable information that would enable the researcher to formulate an opinion (Hlathi, 2008).
Prior to commencing with the data collection, the researcher contacted the participants with better understanding and experience on the topic of leadership development. HR practitioners are particularly important as they decide and allocate participants in leadership development initiatives in their respective companies. All the identified participants expressed their willingness to participate in the study. The researcher drew up an interview timetable with allotted dates and times for the interviews that best suited the participants. Upon obtaining ethical clearance approval from the university (Appendix 3), the researcher completed the interviews between October and November 2017. The researcher clarified with each participant prior to their interviews that any information provided by themselves would only be used for the purposes of this research study; that confidentiality would be strictly maintained; and that under no circumstances would information be shared with anyone with the exception of the supervisor and the examiner.
Each participant was made aware, prior to their interview, of the purpose of this study, and were told that their responses would be based on their perceptions of the research topic. The researcher additionally clarified with the participants that the responses provided were neither correct nor incorrect, and requested the participants to provide consent to permit the researcher to record the interview for transcribing at a later stage.
The researcher prepared an interview schedule with a list of open-ended questions to engage the interviewees in conversation on the study topic. Goldman (2007) stated that unlike a questionnaire or survey which has to be followed, an interview schedule is created to provide a formal, yet simple and comfortable, discussion, where the
91 researcher is focused on listening and comprehending the responses from the participants.