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ChaPter 5 • InformatIon GatherInG: unobtrusIve methods 143

Figure 5.10
An anecdotal list with symbols for
use in applying STROBE.
Narrative Portrayed by Anecdotal List with Symbols for Applying STROBE
Office Location
Organization Members
Office Lighting,
and Equipment Clothing of the
Color, and Graphics
Information is readily
Decision Maker
flowing on all levels.
Adams says, “I figure out
the percentages myself.”
Vinnie says, “I like to read
up on these things.”
Ed says, “The right hand
doesn’t always know what
the left hand is doing.”
Adams says, “Our company
doesn’t change much.”
The operations staff
works all night sometimes.

Vinnie says, “We do things
the way Mr. Adams wants to.”
Julie says, “Stanley doesn’t
seem to care sometimes.”

Key

Confirm the narrative
Cue to look further
Negate or reverse the narrative
Modify the narrative

Supplement the narrative

1. A check mark means the narrative is confirmed.
2. An “X” means the narrative is reversed.
3. An oval or eye-shaped symbol serves as a cue for the systems analyst to look further.
4. A square means observation of the STROBE elements modifies the narrative.
5. A circle means the narrative is supplemented by what is observed.
When STROBE is implemented in this manner, the analyst first writes down key organi-
zational themes growing out of interviews. Then he or she observes and records the elements
of STROBE. The analyst then compares the narrative and observations and uses one of the five
appropriate symbols to characterize the relationship. The analyst thus creates a table that first
documents and then aids in the analysis of observations.