Interviewing Elites: Methodological Issues Confronting a Novice

Abstract

This article explores issues that arise when a relatively inexperienced researcher interviews people who have an elite position or status. These issues include making preparation, gaining access, establishing trust, and facing interpersonal challenges during interviews. Additionally, there remains the need as with any qualitative research of ensuring authenticity and reliability of the views being expressed and recorded. This article is based upon extensive experience of interviewing senior managers operating within private higher education institutions in China. The article makes a contribution to research which rest upon gaining access to and identifying the views of elites who exercise authority and power within institutions.