The goal is to identify issues which deal specifically with organizational concerns. The first phase should then be followed by structured, open-ended interviews, based on information gathered. The information from the interviews and NGT must be carefully reviewed and content analyzed and a list of topics developed. In the fourth phase, the new instrument should be tested and evaluated for reliability, response distribution, and variation in format. Prior to this test, a decision must be made regarding whether to make the EIS responses anonymous.
Respondents are less likely to distort responses when their input is anonymous.
EISs which request name, social number, and other personal data are more likely to have distorted responses, compared to those without identifying information on the survey. It is important to obtain the forwarding addresses of exiting personnel in order to conduct follow-up surveys, if necessary. When persons have been separated from the organization for a time, they have the opportunity to reflect on their views.