roymoggadmin
05-13-2009, 06:06 PM
CrossLight Techniques and Tooling
All research methods depend very much upon the skill of the researcher/consultant. Done well by experienced, flexible and sensitive facilitators the results can be dramatic. In addition to the standard surveys and observational methods, here are some examples of methods used at Crosslight.
Hexagon or Oval Brainstorming - as a form of nominal groups technique is a fast and effective way of gaining an understanding of real issues and developing group awareness. Diversity of opinion can enable participants to analyze their own attitudes, beliefs and values and has a strong action orientation.
Cognitive mapping - is used to help gain an understanding of how people make sense of their situation. The method allows a structure to be given to complex processes in diagrammatical form, producing a holistic model of the participant's) beliefs and predictive theories. Particularly useful for detecting emergent strategy processes, as can show how participants seek out ways of managing and controlling their future. When used within a focused interview can enable the individual to construct and clarify his or her own ideas, particularly concerning causality
Depth interviews - Can aid an understanding of perceptions and processes, particularly where issues may be sensitive. Patterns within and between individuals, teams and departments can be assessed. A key area where this method can be useful is in studying organizational and group identities where complex patterns of organizational, work-group, professional and interpersonal loyalties arise.
Group interview technique - Can tap creativity within and across a group, stimulate a variety ideas, generate increased understanding and highlights the social dimension of issues. As with Hexagon brainstorming this is a very active mode of working and can generate change within the process.
Qualitative Diary - This method enables access to ongoing processes and allows tracking of changes in perceptions and beliefs over time. It is often possible to access information that participants are unlikely to discuss in an interview and respondents are less likely to suffer from memory re-constructions. Can enable access to how different individuals react to different/similar situations on a number of occasions. Patterns in events and behaviours can be analyzed over time, often increasing understanding of the influence of events on each other and how perceptions and ideas develop.
Critical Incident technique - Often used within depth interviews, this technique ensures focus on a key topic and can improve memory recall by discussing incidents as 'critical'. When used across multiple sites it enables analysis of commonalities and differences in themes and incidents. The researcher can relate context, strategy and outcomes, building up a picture of tactics and processes.
Where possible we tape and transcribe meetings and interviews (with permission) to enable us to analyze more precisely the values, beliefs and ways of talking that may be influencing and possibly constraining thought and action within the organization.
If you want to gain a better understanding of your staff, your clients or your competitors, or you need to assess how a change process has, or will, impact upon your organization, then Crosslight can help. We are skilled in collecting and analysing data in both quantitative and qualitative forms, enabling in-depth and the more measurable volume information you may need. Various forms of analysis are used, depending on your business need, but always focused on giving clear, practical and actionable advice.
For many of the methods, we can offer training and/or coaching.
All research methods depend very much upon the skill of the researcher/consultant. Done well by experienced, flexible and sensitive facilitators the results can be dramatic. In addition to the standard surveys and observational methods, here are some examples of methods used at Crosslight.
Hexagon or Oval Brainstorming - as a form of nominal groups technique is a fast and effective way of gaining an understanding of real issues and developing group awareness. Diversity of opinion can enable participants to analyze their own attitudes, beliefs and values and has a strong action orientation.
Cognitive mapping - is used to help gain an understanding of how people make sense of their situation. The method allows a structure to be given to complex processes in diagrammatical form, producing a holistic model of the participant's) beliefs and predictive theories. Particularly useful for detecting emergent strategy processes, as can show how participants seek out ways of managing and controlling their future. When used within a focused interview can enable the individual to construct and clarify his or her own ideas, particularly concerning causality
Depth interviews - Can aid an understanding of perceptions and processes, particularly where issues may be sensitive. Patterns within and between individuals, teams and departments can be assessed. A key area where this method can be useful is in studying organizational and group identities where complex patterns of organizational, work-group, professional and interpersonal loyalties arise.
Group interview technique - Can tap creativity within and across a group, stimulate a variety ideas, generate increased understanding and highlights the social dimension of issues. As with Hexagon brainstorming this is a very active mode of working and can generate change within the process.
Qualitative Diary - This method enables access to ongoing processes and allows tracking of changes in perceptions and beliefs over time. It is often possible to access information that participants are unlikely to discuss in an interview and respondents are less likely to suffer from memory re-constructions. Can enable access to how different individuals react to different/similar situations on a number of occasions. Patterns in events and behaviours can be analyzed over time, often increasing understanding of the influence of events on each other and how perceptions and ideas develop.
Critical Incident technique - Often used within depth interviews, this technique ensures focus on a key topic and can improve memory recall by discussing incidents as 'critical'. When used across multiple sites it enables analysis of commonalities and differences in themes and incidents. The researcher can relate context, strategy and outcomes, building up a picture of tactics and processes.
Where possible we tape and transcribe meetings and interviews (with permission) to enable us to analyze more precisely the values, beliefs and ways of talking that may be influencing and possibly constraining thought and action within the organization.
If you want to gain a better understanding of your staff, your clients or your competitors, or you need to assess how a change process has, or will, impact upon your organization, then Crosslight can help. We are skilled in collecting and analysing data in both quantitative and qualitative forms, enabling in-depth and the more measurable volume information you may need. Various forms of analysis are used, depending on your business need, but always focused on giving clear, practical and actionable advice.
For many of the methods, we can offer training and/or coaching.