Company Data Collection Process - English

Module 5: Company Data Collection Process

This module will allow you to learn the step by step process that needed to be done when you are conducting surveys/interviews in a company. 

Total reading time 3 hours

Step 1

 Objective: Understand the position, role, task and duties of the interviewer

Explanation of each question of the Decent Work survey and the Factory survey, both the concepts contained therein and the purpose of the question. The interviewer must know exactly what the questions mean, in order to gather accurate and clear information.

In-depth understanding of interview guidelines, to avoid possible misunderstanding. Correctly implement interview guidelines, including ethics, attitudes, preparation, and interview tactics. Apply the interview procedure, from introducing yourself to leaving the respondent. Orientation about what problems can arise in the field and how to overcome them. 

 Step 2

Objective: Prepare the field equipment

 Before leaving for the interview, double check to ensure that you as the interviewer have adequate equipment for the day's work. The intended equipment includes:

 

Step 3

Objective: Preparation of the interview

 The preparation phase of the interview is the initial stage of the work where the interviewers are expected to collect the materials and equipment needed before starting the actual surveying/interviewing. The more mature the preparation, the easier it will be during the interview process and the more efficient it will go.

The interviewer in the field acts as the representative/ambassador of the national WageIndicator and partnering trade union. Working with other stakeholders (company-level trade unions in particular), the interviewer must direct the survey process with the authority based on the know how acquired at the WageIndicator Data Academy. The interviewer knows how to establish and carry out a work plan with support from the WageIndicator team and involving the partnering trade union, including how to translate the goals and objectives of the program at the local level, how to sample the survey population in a factory, to collect the data that is needed to to get valid results, and how to improvise in order to achieve the survey objectives in case of unexpected setbacks

 Step 4

Objective: Preparation and implementation of the interview on location

  •  Determine the place and time to be agreed between the interviewer and the respondent. 
  • Also inform the union representative at the company level regarding the time and place of the interview.
  • Interviews can be conducted at the union's premises, at the workers' mess, etc. Interviews can also be made during recess, before or after work hours.
  •  Please do not interview during work hours.
  • Try to coordinate at the company level to collect a few respondents at the agreed time and place for reasons of efficiency
  • Come on time or somewhat earlier 
  • Introduce yourself, and explain the purpose of the visit
  • Explain the purpose, objectives and benefits of the Decent Work survey for workers - while providing an example of a Factory Info page resulting from an earlier survey
  • Ask the respondent's willingness to be interviewed. If the respondent declines please look for other respondents/candidates.
  • When taking pictures ask respondent's approval for photo documentation
  • Prepare supporting equipment such as notebooks/laptops, hard copy of the Decent Work survey, pens, interview guides
  • Guide the respondent to complete the survey, and explain to the respondent if they do not understand a question (can be looked up in the guide). 
  • Record the findings of problems encountered in the field in your notebook / laptop
  • Document the survey process - documentation can be in the form of photos, notes.


Step 5

Objective: Do's and Don'ts during the interview

Always explain and emphasize that all information provided will be kept CONFIDENTIAL and this survey is truly ANONYMOUS.

 Make a good first impression

When interviewing, it is very important to look professional, the interviewer's clothing must look decent and feel comfortable to wear. Such trivial considerations are important. These help to make the interview process flow. Open the interview with a smile and greetings like "Good Afternoon" and then continue by introducing yourself and the purpose of your visit as an interviewer.

 Always have a positive approach

Be outspoken and clear about what you want. Avoid apologizing beforehand as if you were intruding. Avoid using words like "Are you too busy?", "Can you spare a few minutes?" or "Do you mind answering a few questions?" Such attitude and questions invite rejection before you even start the survey.

 Explain the purpose of the survey

It is desirable that all respondents understand the main purpose of the survey: this is the Decent Work Check, a tool for workers driven improvements of working conditions in the company. The collected data is needed to determine the conditions that might need to be changed urgently.

 Find a good interview location

Try to conduct interviews in private locations where there are not many distractions. This can be a room at home or outside at another location. It is important that the respondent can listen attentively during the interview.

 Be neutral during the interview

Most people are polite and tend to give answers that they think you want to hear. Therefore, it is very important for you to remain neutral when asking questions. Try never, either by the expression on your face or by the tone of your voice, to make the respondent think that he/she has given a "right" or "wrong" answer. Try not to look like approving or rejecting.

 Try not to rush the interview

Ask questions slowly to make sure the worker understands what is asked. After you ask a question, stop and give him/her time to think. If the worker feels rushed or not allowed to formulate their own opinion, he/she may answer with "I don't know" or give an inaccurate answer. If you feel the respondent is answering without thinking, you may say to the respondent: "No need to rush. Your opinion is very important, so consider your answers carefully."

 Review the questionnaire / survey

At the end of the interview it is important to review the contents of the survey to verify that all questions have been asked and each question has an answer.

 Say thanks

At the end of each interview, please thank the respondents for their cooperation, information and time provided.

 Do not suggest answers

If the worker's answer is not relevant to the question, it is not permissible to suggest an answer by saying something like "I think you mean ..... Is that true?" Instead, you must continue to dig in such a way that the worker himself gives relevant answers.

 Do not change word or question order

The wording of the questions and their order in the survey were carefully chosen for a reason. If the worker misunderstands the question, the interviewer is expected to be able to repeat the question slowly and clearly. 

 Do not make assumptions

The interviewer must also be careful not to jump to conclusions. Don't assume answers to questions, based on your previous experience with the way people behave or think.

 Don't miss questions

Don't skip questions, even when you think the answer is obvious. Some questions are repeated intentionally to check consistency in workers' answers.

 Do not divulge information

Interviewers must not divulge, repeat or comment on information or opinions given by the interviewed workers. Interviewers are not permitted to show the completed survey to anyone except the WageIndicator data processing team. 

 Final:

What makes an interviewer qualified?

 

Next steps
Exam - Check Moodle
The course consists of 8 modules. 
Module 1: Labour Regulations in Indonesia
Module 2: Gender Sensitivity
Module 3: About the Decent Work program
Module 4: Preparing the Field Work
Module 5: Company  Data Collection Process
Module 6: Access and Data Analysis
Module 7: Evidence based  Social Dialogue
Module 8: Reporting
What you should know:
The Bahasa version of the Gajimu Garment Program has more text and options than the English version.
 
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