Five success factors in elite interviewing for qualitative research

The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges of elite interviewing and identify key factors that ensure success for qualitative researchers. The authors draw on their own experiences of interviewing powerful and influential members of government and various professions as well as tips from experienced researchers from the fields of social sciences and health. They identify five essential steps to successful interviewing: (1) identifying the key informants; (2) negotiating access; (3) background research and preparation; (4) site selection, presentation, questioning approach, and execution; and (5) follow-up. Each of them is discussed in detail. The authors argue that the most important quality for the elite interviewer is self-management which involves developing an individual style of interviewing that is responsive to setbacks and unexpected opportunities.