Qualitative and Quantitative Data Gathering
Data collection methods for quantitative data typically involve structured approaches such as surveys or experiments, aiming to gather numerical information for statistical analysis. In contrast, qualitative data collection methods, like interviews or observations, focus on capturing descriptive, non-numerical data to understand behaviors, opinions, or contexts in depth.
Online Surveys
When DMSA Hosts an online survey it involves several technical aspects crucial for its success. These include:
- Selecting a reliable survey platform or software with user-friendly interfaces and robust security measures is essential.
- The software we use offers diverse question types, customizable templates, and branching logic to create a seamless survey experience.
- We ensure compatibility across various devices and browsers guarantees a broader reach.
- Integration capabilities with data analysis tools facilitate the efficient processing and interpretation of the collected responses.
- To handle potentially large volumes of data, scalable server infrastructure and efficient database management are imperative.
- Equally important is implementing stringent security measures to protect sensitive survey data and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.
- Lastly, optimizing the survey for speed and performance is critical to minimize respondent dropouts and ensure a smooth user experience throughout the survey process
Telephonic Interviews
Telephonic Interviews are one of the data collection techniques used by DMSA.
- DMSA utilises the existing customer contact details from the client.
- Telephonic Interviews of usually randomly selected respondents are conducted by highly experienced interviewers.
- The fieldwork includes: Briefing, Interviewing, Editing, Checking, and Backchecking.
- The interviews are captured directly onto a digital data collection platform
- If a respondent cannot be contacted, DMSA uses statistical techniques to replace the targeted respondent with a similar respondent
Open Ended Analysis
A respondent is given the opportunity to express themselves regarding specific aspects of their interaction with their organisation. An Industrial Psychologist then evaluates, categorizes and then analyses in terms of the frequency of responses. Finally the most common responses are presented graphically. The comments that do not appear graphically are also presented to the client.
Focus Groups
- DMSA’s highly experienced Organisational Specialists use Focus groups to further probe a survey respondents’ views
- The purpose is to identify insights that enrich the survey results and provide more detail to aid the design of interventions
- The focus group provides a personal interaction between colleagues and with the facilitator
- Open questions are used to promote discussion, and then the facilitator ‘dives deeper’ to probe particular issues
- At the executive level (Directors and Associate Directors) we recommend personal interviews
Personal Interviews
To supplement the Survey findings and focus groups from a survey, DMSA often conduct Personal Interviews for Directors and Senior Management. The type of questions we ask:
- How do you manage your work/life balance?
- What are your views on recognition and performance management?
- How would you like performance management to work?
- How would you describe your relationship with your colleagues?
- How would you describe your organisation’s culture?
- What works? What needs to change?
Paper-Based Surveys
- Copies of the paper-based questionnaires are printed
- Questionnaires can be translated into different languages
- Data is collected by DMSA fieldworkers via facilitated sessions
During the sessions facilitators:
- Explain the survey purpose and objectives
- Give assurances regarding confidentiality, no names on the questionnaire
- Explain the survey in the language of the employee where required
- At the end of the session, participants put their completed questionnaires in a secure box (“voting box”) to ensure confidentiality
- The boxes of completed questionnaires are sealed and then couriered to DMSA offices for data capture.
Extraction of Client Data
DMSA CLIENTS
We pride ourselves in creating and maintaining long-standing relationships with our clients. We tailor our service to suit our client’s specific organisational needs.