THE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH INTERVIEW: FASHIONING RESPONDENT AFFINITY

Abstract

This article reports on the stages of developing respondent rapport and affinity during the qualitative research interview process. It advances knowledge in terms of respondent dialogue in the collection of data and its subsequent analysis. The article assesses how the researchers overcame a cautious and suspicious reception from interview respondents. The interviewees were trade union leaders who had been ‘requested’ by management to partake in a research. The paper will detail not only how the researchers had to overcome the union leaders’ suspicions but it will also explicate how the process of developing a good rapport can be beneficial to the collection of quality data. From this practical advice can be given about the essence of developing a good rapport with interviewees.