Ch # 7: Collecting & Analyzing Diagnostic Information

OC&D-Summer-2011

The Diagnostic Relationship

Who am I? The answer to this question Introduces the OD Practitioner to the Organization Why am I here & what am I doing? The consultant present the objectives of the Action Research Process Who do I work for? The answer clarifies who has Hired the consultant What do I want from you, & why? Here the consultant specifies how much Time and Effort people will need to give to provide valid data How will I protect your confidentiality: Addresses member Concerns about who will see their responses & in what form Who will have access to the data? The ODP will clarify Access Issues and provide respondents with their own results Whats in it for you? The answer is aimed at providing members a clear representation of the Benefits expected from the diagnosis Can I be trusted? The diagnostic relationship ultimately rests on the Trust established between the ODP & those providing the data

Methods for Collecting Data

Questionnaires Interviews Observations Unobtrusive Measures

Questionnaires

Major Advantages

Major Potential Problems

Responses can be quantified & easily summarized Easy to use with large samples Relatively inexpensive Can obtain large volume of data

Nonempathy Predetermined questions/ missing issues Overinterpretation of data Response bias

Interviews

Major Advantages

Major Potential Problems

Adaptive allows data collection on a range of possible subjects Source of rich data Empathic Process of interviewing can build rapport

Expense Bias in interviewer response Coding & interpretion difficulties Self-report bias

Observation

Major Advantages

Major Potential Problems

Collects data on behavior, rather than reports of behavior Real time, not retrospective Adaptive

Coding & interpretation difficulties Sampling inconsistencies Observer bias & questionable reliability Expense

Unobtrusive measures

Major Advantages

Major Potential Problems

Nonreactive no response bias High face validity Easily quantified

Access & retrieval difficulties Validity concerns Coding & interpretation difficulties

Sampling Issues in OD
1.Sample Size 2.Sample Selection 3.

Techniques for Analyzing Data

Qualitative Tools:
Content Analysis Force Field Analysis

Quantitative Tools:
Means, Standard Deviations & Frequency Distribution Scatter grams & Correlation Coefficients Difference Tests

Force Field Analysis of Work Group Performance

Forces for Change

Forces for Maintaining Status Quo

New Technology Better Raw Materials Competition from Other Groups Supervisor Pressures

Group Performance Norms Fear of Change Member Complacency Well Learned Skills