Page 44 - Communication in Organizations Basic Skills and Conversation Models

Interviewing 33

Figure 4.1 Interview scheme regarding
automation

In this manner questions can be formulated for each sub theme. In addition to the
different questions, each subtheme should include a question for the interviewee about
any extra comments/additions: for example, ‘Would you like to say something about the
situation as it currently exists?’

Clarity beforehand
After the interview scheme has been composed, appointments are made for the
interviews. When making the appointments it is important to be clear about the duration
and purpose of the interview beforehand. If you don’t do that, you run the risk that the
employees to be interviewed may draw the wrong conclusions about the reasons for the
interviews. The open and honest attitude of the interviewer will increase the willingness
to cooperate.

Holding semi-structured interviews

The holding of the interview consists of three phases: introducing the interview,
following the interview scheme, closing the interview. We elaborate on each phase
below.

Introducing the interview
When starting the interview it is important to include a short period, a so-called ‘warming
up’. In this situation the interviewer and interviewee can get used to each other through
the exchange of some general information, some chit-chat. The interviewer needs to pay
attention to what the interviewee says. Then the introduction to the interview follows
naturally. The interviewer states clearly once again the duration and purpose of the
interview. It is also important to state the order of the interview as you follow the
interview scheme: the procedure of the interview. The interviewee now knows what he
can expect and is able to cooperate in keeping to the order of the scheme (see p. 9). The