Some individuals may not get the chance to air their views or may be inhibited by other group members, particularly colleagues or more senior staff. Some people may also not always think creatively in a group setting and prefer to be interviewed or to complete a survey form in their own time. Requires preparation on the part of the facilitator to make sure that the meeting focuses on the issues at hand. The facilitator should ideally be outside the process being discussed, but familiar with the issues being raised. A safe situation should be set up so that participants may not be inhibited in voicing opinions which may contradict company policy.
Procedure Decide on the objectives of the meeting and the participants required to take part in it.
When contacting the participants explain clearly what topics are to be discussed and the meeting format. Discuss the issue of confidentiality of the proceedings. Obtain agreement beforehand if any particular recording techniques are to be used e.g. video or audio recording. Produce a timetable for the session and run a pilot session to check that the timetable is realistic. If background information is required from the group individuals, prepare a suitable questionnaire for administration either before or after the session.