Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods for Organizational Diagnosis

Abstract

This study reviews considerations for integrating closed-ended items and open-ended questions in a single survey instrument, focusing on contextual effects as a potential pitfall in organizational diagnosis. A randomized posttest-only control group experiment was conducted in a field setting with a small (92 employees) for-profit firm wherein the experimental group received a mixed questionnaire (closed-ended, followed by open-ended, questions) and the control group received only open-ended questions. Individuals receiving the mixed survey responded with a lower response rate and fewer comments than those receiving only the open-ended questions. A thematic content analysis of responses revealed a practically significant difference between groups in respondents' perceptions of the organization's strengths. However, the reported weaknesses of the organization did not differ between groups.