Interviews

Face-to-face interviews were another important chosen data collection tool in this study because it ensures uniformity and fairness. To assure of a meaningful response rate, the researcher asked the different respondents to complete the questionnaire and planned to do an in-depth interview the key informants at a mutually acceptable time. This interview allowed considerable flexibility in scope and depth. In this study, the researcher intended to interview trade union representatives, some Federation representatives, National Bargaining Council members and other government officials (AMSA and CCA) to help capturing their opinion and view about the pertinence of policies to promote the sustainability and competitiveness of the textile and clothing industry in the SAR. Additionally, the interviews were related to abuses of workers in the local industry. In this study, interviews were conducted in either French or English as in both Mauritius and the DRC are predominantly French-speaking whereas in South Africa English is the predominant language in business. According to Babbie and Mouton (2001:218) also observe the importance of asking questions in the language in which the interviewee feels most comfortable.

In view of the above, Welman (2001:158) argues that the interview is a data-collecting method which usually involves personal visits to respondents at home or at work. In the interview the interviewer asks questions from an interview schedule and records respondents’ responses. Interviews are very useful because highly specific data can be obtained in a very short space of time. The interview is also useful because it provides a general overview of people’s thoughts. Thus, Bergum quoted in Morse (1991:61) refers to conversation rather than interview, as conversation implies a discussion and captures the attitude of the interaction. The conversation, like the interview, has a central focus, but is not one-sided. Interviewing the participant involves description of the experience, but also involves reflection on the description.

De Vos et al., (2005:296) add that the one-to-one interview gives the researcher and participant much more flexibility. The researcher is able to follow up particular interesting avenues that emerge in the interview, and the participant is able to give a fuller picture. Holstein and Gubrium (1995:76) indicate that a questionnaire written to guide interviews is called an interview schedule or guide. This provides the researcher with a set of predetermined questions that might be used as an appropriate instrument to engage the participant and designate the narrative terrain. 4.4.2.1 In-depth interview

The unstructured face-to-face interview was also referred to as the in-depth interview. As proposed by the researcher, in-depth interviews were conducted with the key informants telephonically at a mutually acceptable time to assure a meaningful response rate. In-depth

interviews helped gain a detailed picture of a participant’s beliefs about, or perceptions or accounts of, a particular topic. According to Taylor and Bogdan (1998), in-depth interviews are regarded as an effective alternative to observing a case-study in action as they provide a method that permits direct observation of the people involved in the process and the ability to listen to what those people have to say. As stated by Greeff (2005), an in-depth interview is referred to as a “conversation with a purpose”. It is focused and discursive and allows the researcher and participant to explore an issue. It is used to determine individuals’ perceptions, opinions, facts and forecasts, and their reactions to initial findings and potential solutions. Denzin quoted in Collins (1998:1) adds to this by referring to the interview as an interactional situation. Interviews are social interactions in which meaning is necessarily negotiated between a number of selves (Collins, 1998:3).

Face-to-face interviews are the most flexible form of the data collection method. The main advantages of the face-to-face interviews are the availability of an interviewer to structure the interview situation, as well as helping and motivating respondents. Its setting allows for optimal communication, as both verbal and non-verbal communications are possible. Structured or partly structured interview schedules with open questions can be used as the interviewer poses the questions, follows up with additional probes, bridges silences, and records answers (De Leeuw, 2008 cited by Alauutari, Backman & Brannen, 2008:317). De Vos et al., (2005) state that the researcher will have a set of predetermined questions on an interview schedule but the interview will be guided by the schedule, rather than being dictated to by it.

According to Smith, Harrè and Van Langenhoven (1995:17), recording the interview on tape allows a much fuller record than notes taken during the interview. It also means that the researcher can concentrate on how the interview is proceeding and where to go next. It is recommended that both an electrical and battery-operated tape recorder are used to ensure data capturing. They also remind researchers to use a high-quality tape recorder and tapes. Greeff (2005) adds that external microphones could be useful for clarity. The tapes can later be transcribed for close analysis. The participant should always have the right to ask for the tape after the interview.