Focus Groups
The Focus Group Facilitation Service
The Focus Group interview process is a research method commonly used by The Jackson Group to assist organizations in exploring and gaining a better understanding of employees’ or patients’ perceptions, desires, needs, and general sentiments. Focus Groups offer an environment for collecting data where respondents can give detailed opinions on particular subjects, respond to “what if…” questions… even discuss and raise questions not previously thought of by the interviewer. This is one of the only methods of data collection that gives organizations immediate feedback from employees and patients.
Process
Focus Groups are comprised of eight to fifteen participants. Consultants work with the client to determine the best method for inviting those chosen to participate in the Focus Group process. Each session lasts approximately one to one and one-half hours, depending on the responsiveness of the group. Formal agendas are created for the group sessions, and once the agenda is completed the session is adjourned. The agenda consists of specific questions pertaining to the issues chosen by the client. Questions are determined in advance through discussions between the consultants and the client contacts. The client has the opportunity to review and approve the final agenda.
Reporting/Taping of Sessions
A summary report is presented to the client within two weeks of completion of the Focus Groups. This report includes a compilation of comments for each of the questions included in the agenda. Also, recommendations are made for areas of suggested focus for improvement in the organization.
Video or audio taping of Focus Group sessions is available for external, customer or patient-based focus groups, but is not recommended for employee groups due to confidentiality concerns.
The Focus Group Facilitation Service
The Focus Group interview process is a research method commonly used by The Jackson Group to assist organizations in exploring and gaining a better understanding of employees’ or patients’ perceptions, desires, needs, and general sentiments. Focus Groups offer an environment for collecting data where respondents can give detailed opinions on particular subjects, respond to “what if…” questions… even discuss and raise questions not previously thought of by the interviewer. This is one of the only methods of data collection that gives organizations immediate feedback from employees and patients.
Process
Focus Groups are comprised of eight to fifteen participants. Consultants work with the client to determine the best method for inviting those chosen to participate in the Focus Group process. Each session lasts approximately one to one and one-half hours, depending on the responsiveness of the group. Formal agendas are created for the group sessions, and once the agenda is completed the session is adjourned. The agenda consists of specific questions pertaining to the issues chosen by the client. Questions are determined in advance through discussions between the consultants and the client contacts. The client has the opportunity to review and approve the final agenda.
Reporting/Taping of Sessions
A summary report is presented to the client within two weeks of completion of the Focus Groups. This report includes a compilation of comments for each of the questions included in the agenda. Also, recommendations are made for areas of suggested focus for improvement in the organization.
Video or audio taping of Focus Group sessions is available for external, customer or patient-based focus groups, but is not recommended for employee groups due to confidentiality concerns.
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A Deeper Understanding
Many times, organizations will use our Focus Group process to either identify areas to address in an upcoming work climate survey, or to follow up on issues brought up during the survey process.
Many times, organizations will use our Focus Group process to either identify areas to address in an upcoming work climate survey, or to follow up on issues brought up during the survey process.