Sample of a Semi-structured Interview “Office Space” Type

Semi- or unstructured interviewing is a widely used technique in consumer or corporate ethnography.

Here’s an interesting (funny) example of a semi-structured interview.
[Click on the audio link here].

Transcript:

• Bob Slydel (John C. McGinley): “What you do at Initech is, you take the specifications from the customers and you bring them down to the software engineers.”

• Smykowski: “Yes. Y–Yes. That’s– That’s right.”

• Bob Porter (Paul Willson): “Well, then I just have to ask, why couldn’t the customers just take them directly to the– to the software people, huh?”

• Smykowski: “Well, I’ll tell you why. Uh, because… engineers are not good at dealing with customers.”

• Bob Slydel: “Uh-huh. So, you physically take the specs from the customer?”

• Smykowski: “Well… no. M-My secretary does that, or they’re faxed.”

• Bob Slydel: “Uh-huh.”

• Bob Porter: “So then you must physically bring them to the software people.”

• Smykowski: “Well… no. I mean, sometimes.”

• Bob Slydel: “What– What would you say you do here?”

• Smykowski: “Well, look, I already told you. I deal with the bleepdamn customers so the engineers don’t have to. I have people skills! I am good at dealing with people! Can’t you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?!”

This satire is from a movie called “Office Space” (1999). It was written and directed by Mike Judge, who also made Bevis and Butthead. It’s a great example to illustrate company culture.

PEZ

Second Life Virtual Venture Competition Heats Up

McKinsey & Company’s Virtual Venture Competition is gaining momentum. Attractions are now available: Enjoy a free jet-ski ride around and in-between the VVC islands. Watch the Virtual Venture Competition movie to get a first impression about the VVC presence in Second Life.

On May 22, ‘07, McKinsey & Company launched the most ambitious and farthest reaching business competition ever to be held in virtual reality: The Virtual Venture Competition. The VVC is a place to use creativity and networking skills to turn innovative ideas into successful business operations within Second Life. Anyone who got an ambitious business vision or wants to test a highly original idea, this is the place to bring the concept to life.

Registered users are provided expert advice on getting started, including 3D locations within Second Life. Tools and resources are available to help teams at every stage, from building the team to funding the venture.

First prize is a business training worth over US$ 20,000. And if the business plan shows enough potential, McKinsey & Company will fund the start up costs up the maximum amount of L$ 40,000.

PEZ