[climate audit - methodology]

The methodology of the Elephants in Main Street Climate Audit is based upon our experience that in–depth interviews with selected individuals reveal far more than a questionnaire asked of everyone across the board. There are many reasons for this, but perhaps the main one is that the interviewer has flexibility in exploring topics which arise and which appear to be important.

Of course, for this method to work, the interviewer has to be experienced and highly skilled. In particular, he or she has to be someone to whom others are willing to talk. This is true of our interviewers.

Ideally one would interview the Chief Executive Officer and at least one representative of each division, department and level in the organization, including shop stewards if applicable. Each interview lasts 30/45 minutes.

Normally 25 – 30 interviews are sufficient to complete the audit. The choice of individuals to be interviewed is made in conjunction with the Manager calling for the audit.

It is important that a proper cross–section of opinion be obtained, i.e. individuals who are both for and against the existing culture, management style, structures etc. should be interviewed. As far as possible they should be perceived as “leaders” at all levels in the organisation.

This is especially important if the climate audit is linked in any way to employment equity. Individuals selected should be invited to participate in the audit, i.e. no one should be forced to participate. The entire organization should be informed in writing, in advance, of the audit and of its purpose.

It may become desirable, after the initial interviews, to interview specific additional individuals.

After the interviews are completed, a report based on the interviews is prepared, together with any comments and / or recommendations that Elephants in Main Street may make. This report is presented to the Manager calling for the audit and anyone else whom he or she may wish to include, at a meeting, which also includes verbal feedback.

The report does not allocate statements to the individuals who made them. The individuals interviewed understand that this will be the case. Elephants in Main Street recommends that the contents of the report, be fed back to all interviewed, by the Manager who commissioned the audit, at a group meeting, with or without the participation of ELEPHANTS.

This process allows invaluable insight into the organization and a clear picture emerges of the critical areas to be addressed.