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the opportunity to archive the data for later referral, because the human mind does not
possess a limitless capacity to recall all that is said in a 30 minute interview.
When preparing for the interviews a number of factors were taken into account.
Communication is an important factor in completing successful interviews. The interview
needs to be precise and keep to the point around the topic area. When it strays from the
topic area the interviewer needs to bring it back into focus for the interview to proceed in
the allocated time (Gorden, 1980). For example, in this study the participants were
instructed that the interview time would take approximately 30-45 minutes. Initially the
interview was estimated to last up to 60 minutes, though initial participant responses
provided feedback that the interview length was protracted. However during the pilot
interview stage the researcher was able to reduce the time period dramatically to 30 minutes.
The researcher believed this allowed for all participants from the selected organisations to
agree to participate, as this did not impede greatly on their ordinary working day. Therefore,
it was important to keep the interview to this allotted time, firstly because this time was
identified in the initial participant information sheet. Secondly, the participants had
generously given their time free of charge, and they worked in a busy work environment.
The researcher also needed to create a sense of professionalism by dressing in a
formal manner when interviewing participants. This created the effect that the interview
was important to the researcher, which it was, while also making the participant feel that
they were an important contributor to the research. The interview commenced with the
researcher introducing himself to the participant at the location of the interview; usually
this was done with a formal greeting, namely a handshake. A brief introduction of the
research topic then took place. It was explained that the individual would be asked
questions relating to learning with their partner organisation (“Feel free to answer them as
best as possible”). Following the introduction, the interview began. When participants are
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