Repertory Grid Applications

An account of police culture

2011-07-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

Title: A social constructionist account of police culture and its influence on the representation and progression of female officers: A repertory grid analysis in a UK police force

Authors: Penny Dick, (School of Management, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK), Devi Jankowicz, (Luton Business School, Luton, UK). Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, Vol. 24 Iss: 2, pp.181 - 199. MCB UP Ltd

Abstract: The police organisation receives much media attention regarding its record on Equal Opportunities. Research suggests that the organisational culture in police organisations plays a major role in impeding the progress of women. Using repertory grid technique, the culture of a police force, conceptualised at the level of performance value judgements or recipe knowledge was investigated. It is argued that rank, rather than gender has the greatest influence on the content of performance value judgements and that this is attributable to the way that hierarchy influences the way in which the grass-roots role is constructed. We argue that women’s progression is impeded not because of dominant constructions of the role per se, but by the way such constructions intersect with broader socio-cultural constructions of women’s domestic roles.

Link

Work Safety

2011-07-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

An investigation using the rep grid into how road gangs see safety

Author: Fisher J M. Paper has been accepted for presentation at the 19th International Congress on Personal Construct Psychology to be held in Boston Massachusetts in July 2011.

Abstract: As part of a wider safety reduction initiative, Repertory grids were carried out with four gangs of operational staff who dig holes to repair and replace water pipes. The aim was to identify any common themes differentiating the better performing gangs from those with a history of service strikes and safety incidences.

The resultant grids identified a key difference between the way the gangs perceived their environments. The better gangs believed they have more control over their jobs and are the catalyst that makes things happen. The poorer gangs take less ownership of their work and lay the blame for incidences on other things.

A two pronged solution is suggested. The recruitment process needs to be adapted to include competency based questions covering “ownership”. Secondly, performance management needs to be applied across the whole workforce not just the office based staff.

Link Paper freely available

Are you sure you are asking the right questions?

2011-06-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

Eliciting User Experience Comparisons in the Customer’s Voice

Author: Michael Hawley. Published: December 3, 2007

Introduction: “Your interview questions might be relevant to you and your project team, but are they the questions that will get at important issues from a user’s perspective?”

Chances are that, if you do user research, you conduct a fair number of user interviews. When conducting interviews, our training tells us to minimize bias by asking open-ended questions and choosing our words carefully. But consistently asking unbiased questions is always a challenge, especially when you’re following a participant down a line of questioning that is important, and you haven’t prepared your questions ahead of time. Also, if you do a lot of interviews, you might fall into a pattern of asking the same types of questions for different studies. This might not bias participants, but you can bias yourself if you always investigate the same types of issues. Finally, are you sure you are asking the right questions? Your interview questions might be relevant to you and your project team, but are they the questions that will get at important issues from a user’s perspective?

In an effort to address some of these considerations, I’ve experimented with the Repertory Grid method—an interview technique that originated in clinical psychology and is useful in a variety of domains, including user experience design.

Link Paper freely available

Accounting for Diversity

2011-06-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

Accounting for Diversity in Subjective Judgments

Authors: Evangelos Karapanos and Jean-Bernard Martens of Eindhoven University of Technology. Marc Hassenzahl of Folkwang University. Proceedings of the 27th international Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (Boston, MA, USA, April 04 – 09, 2009).

Abstract: In this paper we argue against averaging as a common practice in the analysis of subjective attribute judgments, both across and within subjects. Previous work has raised awareness of the diversity between individuals’ perceptions.

In this paper it will furthermore become apparent that such diversity can also exist within a single individual, in the sense that different attribute judgments from a subject may reveal different, complementary, views. A Multi-Dimensional Scaling approach that accounts for the diverse views on a set of stimuli is proposed and its added value is illustrated using published data. We will illustrate that the averaging analysis provides insight to only 1/6th of the total number of attributes in the example dataset. The proposed approach accounts for more than double the information obtained from the average model, and provides richer and semantically diverse views on the set of stimuli.

Link

Construing Consultation

2011-06-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Construing Consultation: an exploration using repertory grid technique

Author: Elaine Margaret Robertson - 2008 MSc in Educational Psychology EPiT Research Thesis Conference - The British Psychological Society

Abstract: A pilot study involving the use of Kelly’s repertory grid technique to investigate the views of young people and adults about consultation. The research aimed to investigate the usefulness of RGT as a research tool and also it’s potential to address the question of researcher influence in interview situations. The study involved RGT interviews with four young people from a secondary school and three members of staff from the same school. All the participants took part in interviews which lasted fifty-five minutes and involved them in eliciting both the elements to be used in the grids and the constructs. This was achieved using the triadic elicitation method developed by Kelly. The participants then scored the elements on each of the constructs using a five-point scale. The data gathered from the interviewed was analysed using three different techniques, each of which is commonly used with grid data. These were eye-ball analysis, the use of a statistical programme to highlight correlations between the constructs and content analysis. The results indicate that RGT is an appropriate method for researching the views of young people and adults and highlighted its ability to produce rich data which incorporated the individual views of the participants. However, it was noted that, in terms of minimising researcher influence, RGT is only a technique and the skill of the researcher in conducting the interviews is more important when it comes to reducing their influence on the process. The report outlines some weaknesses in the research and methodological issues which would require to be addressed in a future piece of work. Never the less, the report concludes that RTG is a suitable technique to be explored by EPs who are concerned with listening to the views of both young people and adults.

Link

Construction Project Management

2011-05-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Identifying Issues of Concern Early

Authors: Neil Allan, Engineering Management Group, University of Bristol and Patrick Godfrey, Business Solutions Director, Halcrow

Summary: A report commissioned by the Construction Research and Innovation Strategy Panel (CRISP) process group with the aim to better understand the nature of the issues that cause concern in the early stages of construction projects in the UK. The research programme on construction project management was based on the repertory grid interview technique to elicit and gather the data used in the analysis and is a good example of the use of repertory grid in working with soft issues.

Purpose: The aim of the research was to focus future resources where real understanding of practice and problems could be established. The objectives of the commission were:
• To identify areas of particular concern arising from the early stages of project development, common to many projects and contractual approaches.
• Place them in order of importance.
• Consider research that will address them.

Key Recommendations:

• The industry needs to move, as quickly as possible, towards a much more outward looking, customer-focused, high added-value position. The critical point to initiate this change is at the pre-project and project development stages.
• Research should focus on the priority concerns in the client-defined processes, which are team selection and development of the whole team to have excellent co-operation and communication capability.
• Other Constructors and Suppliers need to be involved much earlier in the project process, as it appears this group can help the team to understand better the needs of End Users.
• Mechanisms and processes need to be developed to effectively and efficiently engage End Users, Financiers and Owners in the whole process, but particularly at the early stages.
• There needs to be improved communication, commitment and shared values between the construction players. Research should focus on where blocks to co-operation and misconceptions exist and how these can be eroded.

Link - Report freely downloadable.

Fiction Reader Characteristics

2011-05-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

Investigating fiction reader characteristics using personal construct theory

Author: Briony Birdi - Information School, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK - Aslib Proceedings Vol. 63 Iss: 2/3, pp.275 - 294

Abstract

Purpose – Using the public library context, this paper seeks to present research identifying perceived characteristics of fiction readers and their associated genres, with a particular emphasis on the reader of Black British and Asian fiction in the English language. Design/methodology/approach – The paper applies personal construct theory and the associated repertory grid to a mixed method study involving 15 repertory grid interviews, conducted with librarianship Master's students at a UK university.

Findings – The findings regarding the perceived profile of the reader were similar to those reported in previous sociological research, but new constructs emerged regarding certain perceived characteristics of both readers and genres.

Research limitations/implications – The method and findings provide a starting-point for future research in materials portraying, and originating from, minority ethnic communities. With more repeated constructs and a larger sample size, future research could statistically investigate the significance of potential trends and apparent relationships between data. Practical implications – The paper provides new data regarding the nature and readership of minority ethnic fiction, informing the improvement of its provision and promotion by public libraries. Social implications – It is hoped that longer-term effects will be to increase both public and professional understanding of fiction written by members of minority ethnic communities, and of its potential contribution to the wider body of literature in the English language.

Originality/value – The paper applies personal construct theory and the associated repertory grid technique to a new area of research and practice, with new data having been generated concerning the perceived characteristics of fiction genres, and of their readers.

Link

Collaborative writing - Students' perceptions

2011-05-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Collaborative writing: too much of a good thing? Exploring engineering students’ perceptions using the Repertory Grid

Authors: Anindito Aditomo and Peter Reimann

Abstract: Students' perceptions of technology-supported collaborative writing (CW) and peer reviewing are important because these perceptions affect adoption decisions, initial engagement, and continued reliance on collaboration/peer feedback as a learning resource. This paper describes and demonstrates the utility of the Repertory Grid Technique to probe such perceptions. Combining interviews and written surveys, this study uncovered constructs that engineering students use to think about CW/peer-reviewing, and interesting patterns of relations among those constructs. For instance, while students perceived activities that involve the construction of personal arguments (such as CW) to be exciting and effective for learning, they also judged such activities to be time-consuming and stressful. This study also found interesting differences in the construct systems of high- and low-performing students.

Link

Eliciting and prioritising critical knowledge

2011-05-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

A two-stage process for eliciting and prioritising critical knowledge

Author: Kenneth J. Preiss, Journal of Knowledge Management Dec 2000 Volume: 4 Issue: 4.

Abstract: An overview of knowledge elicitation, representation and prioritisation of key performance indicators (CSFs) necessary for success in direct selling in a dynamic market on a woman-to-woman basis is presented. The CSFs were elicited using the Repertory Grid (RepGrid) method. The RepGrid method allows for construct elicitation and the exploration of constructing indices, such as, frame differentiation, frame complexity, frame integration and construct centrality. The CSF constructs are then prioritised using the Analytic Hierarchic Process. The proposed two-stage methodology offers the benefit of eliciting individual mental constructs about critical knowledge, the representation of those constructs in a meaningful form, and the representation of repositories of knowledge of multiple entities across and within organisations.

Link

Women In Management

2011-05-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

Researching discrimination in selection for international management assignments: the role of repertory grid technique

Author: Hilary Harris, Lecturer in International Human Resource Management at Cranfield University School of Management, Cranfield, UK. MCB UP Ltd

Abstract: Extensive literature exists into discrimination in selection in the fields of psychology, social psychology and sociology. This research focuses mainly on domestic appointments and does not consider the nature of selection for international appointments. Discusses the findings of a study into potential gender bias in international manager selection systems. In particular, it discusses the use of repertory grid technique to elicit the personal constructs of selectors for international appointments and to assess how these might influence the numbers of women entering international management positions.

Link

Determining Organizational Culture

2011-04-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Using repertory grid to capture a representation of an organization's culture

Author: John Mayes, Enquire Within Developments Ltd.

Abstract: The article shows how to use repertory grid to capture a representation of an organization's culture or corporate culture - the organization's construct system - in the context of effectiveness. It then provides an overview on how to analyse that data and, from that, develop a set of competencies that match the organization's strategic direction.

The process reveals where the emphases and priorities currently lie. An experienced consultant will readily infer how these and their relative proportions fit the organisation's future strategic goals and how to translate this, through further group work, into new competencies.

A full consultative process should achieve a number of goals:

• The new organisational competences;
• Organisational ownership of the new competences;
• Competences linked to the strategic goals;
• A clear distinction of the difference between the new competences and that related to past organisational behaviour;
• Using the organisation's own language.

Link to full article

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Change Management

2011-04-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

The Contribution of Personal Construct Theory

Authors: Brooks, Laurence, Department of Information Systems and Computing, Brunel University, UK, laurence.brooks@brunel.ac.uk; Davis, Christopher J.*, College of Business, University of South Florida St Petersburg, USA, davisc@stpt.usf.edu; Lycett, Mark, Department of Information Systems and Computing, Brunel University, UK, mark.lycett@brunel.ac.uk

Abstract: This paper explores the use of two complementary approaches, each stemming from Personal Construct Theory (PCT), to investigate the interdependence of organizations and information systems. Two techniques - Repertory Grid Analysis (RGA) and Cognitive Mapping (CM) - are used to investigate the dynamics of this interaction. Changing business models and information technologies were investigated in two distinct work settings: the techniques contributed substantial insight into the role of information systems in each case. Our analysis shows that the techniques have matured to a stage where they provide a basis for improved understanding of the organizational complexities related to information technologies. The techniques focus on the social construction of meaning by articulating and interpreting the discourse that surrounds the development, implementation and use of information technology in organizations. The research to date has articulated and improved awareness of the issues and concerns that surround IT. Despite the differing contexts and work processes, our findings in each case suggest that this has made managers more conceptually agile, leading to improved integration of organisational processes and technology in each case. The complementarity of the findings from the two settings and their analytic generalisability is explored in the concluding sections of the paper where we identify a promising avenue for extending this research into the complex relationship between information systems and organizations using PCT.

Paper `Change Management The Contribution of Personal Construct Theory' freely available.

See also Enquire Within Used as Part of a Change Management Programme

Production Supervisor Competencies

2011-04-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

The Competent Production Supervisor: A Model for Effective Performance

Authors: Arnaldo Camuffo and Fabrizio Gerli MIT IPC Working Paper IPC-05-002 March 2005

Abstract: Applying non-parametric statistical analysis on data from 212 behavioral events and 44 repertory grid interviews, we develop a competency model for production supervisors in North East Italian firms. We identify four threshold and nine distinctive competencies. We offer insights on the relationship between these competencies and Northeast Italian firms’ manufacturing capabilities. We provide insights on how to use competency tools to design skill development policies in industrial districts and implement effective human resource management practices in small and medium sized enterprises.

Link (paper freely available as pdf document)

Exploring strategic information systems

2011-04-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

Exploring the evaluation framework of strategic information systems using repertory grid technique: a cognitive perspective from chief information officers

Authors: Vincent Cho and Robert Wright, Department of Management and Marketing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Behaviour & Information Technology Volume 29, Issue 5, First published 2010, Pages 447 - 457

Abstract This study aims at developing an evaluation framework of strategic information systems (SIS) and evaluating the SIS planning and implementation by using a cognitive approach called the repertory grid technique. The findings are based on in-depth interviews with chief information officers (CIOs) involved with SIS developments in their organisations. This exploratory study builds on a cognitive methodology and enables us to develop the evaluation framework of SIS within the CIO's mind. In a practical viewpoint, we evaluated the effectiveness of the essential activities in the SIS planning and implementation. Results showed that activities on analysing industry and environment, analysing information system weakness and strength, formulating SIS strategy, identifying SIS initiatives, prioritising and allocating resources for SIS, documenting SIS, and liaising with top management team are well performed.

Link

Young Persons' Self Image

2011-04-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Using personal construct theory to explore self-image with adolescents with learning disabilities

Authors: Samantha Thomas, Richard Butler, Dougal Julian Hare, David Green. Article first published online: 24 MAR 2011. British Journal of Learning Disabilities.

Summary: A young person’s construct of self can be fundamental to their psychological well being (Glick 1999; Emler 2001). However limited research has been conducted in the United Kingdom to explore self-image with adolescents with learning disabilities. Previous studies have demonstrated the effective use of personal construct theory with children (Maxwell 2006) and adults with learning disabilities (Hare 1997) and this paper proposes that personal construct elicitation methods can be used to help adolescents with learning disabilities communicate and share their self-constructs. Four personal construct elicitation methods were used successfully to support students to discuss constructs of self, suggesting that personal construct theory can be used to guide an exploration of self-image with adolescents with learning disabilities. The students in this study construed their self-image hierarchically using psychological constructs over nine different dimensions of self.

Link

Soft Values, Hard Facts

2011-03-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Only when people are given total freedom to explain something in their own words – as in a qualitative interview – can their full potential to add reasonable information be enabled.

Professor Peter Kruse is the founder and CEO of nextpractice, based in Bremen, Germany. Alongside a team of psychologists, economists, sociologists, computer scientists and designers, he develops customised management tools to support entrepreneurial decision-making and empower collective intelligence. Using the ‘nextexpertizer’ tool, Kruse is able to access the collective intuition of groups, revealing the hidden value patterns underpinning social change. The data that emerges enables us to answer the question: what’s next?

We produce so much data every day that it is becoming difficult to generate genuine insights. How can we use these data streams more efficiently?

Link to article

Multimedia assessment with sound

2011-03-22T01:06:00.000-07:00

Applying personal construct psychology in sound design using a repertory grid

Author: Stuart Cunningham Glyndwr University, Wrexham, UK Proceedings of the 5th Audio Mostly Conference: A Conference on Interaction with Sound

Abstract: This paper highlights the repertory grid technique as a mechanism for use in multimedia assessment and classification with a particular focus of its use with audio media and in sound design tasks. The paper describes the repertory grid method and provides an original, small scale, investigation as an example of the technique in action. The results show that repertory grid can indeed be employed with multimedia elements, something that is currently not common practice in the field, and that there is value in being able to classify media elements by extracting group norms and semantic descriptions.

Link

Identifying Customers’ Hidden Needs

2011-03-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

A seminar with Keith Goffin, Professor of Innovation, Cranfield School of Management, UK

Date: Göteborg 26 May, 2011

The clear identification of customer needs is a fundamentally important part of successful innovation and most organizations aim to develop a deep customer understanding. However, the methods that most companies use for their market research – such as surveys, focus groups, and visits to customers – are just not effective. Such traditional approaches cannot uncover hidden needs – the needs that customers have not even recognized themselves. This workshop introduces delegates to the best methods for identifying hidden needs and to the ways to translate these into breakthrough products. Management Challenge

Surveys and focus groups do not provide a deep customer understanding because they rely on direct questions and do not study the customer and products ‘in-situ’. The social sciences, particularly anthropology and psychology, have developed intricate ways in which to understand both individuals and social groups. When applied to market research, these techniques allow us to analyze hidden needs and understand what customers actually think, rather than relying on what customers say.

This innovation workshop will give a detailed understanding on how to gain deeper market insights; the tools required; and how to apply them in your own organization. The workshop will address six key topics:

1.Traditional market research – the methods and why they bring limited results

2.Overview of enhanced methods for market research including: contextual interviews and ethnographic market research; repertory grid technique.

3.Learning to use the key techniques: how to conduct repertory grid technique; systematic observation; and contextual interviews.

4.Case studies of the successful use of hidden needs analysis in companies such as Agilent Technologies, Beiersdorf, Bosch, Miele and VirginMoney.

5.Designing an in-depth market study: selecting the right project and developing a deep customer understanding without resulting in using market consultancies.

6.Embedding the philosophy of hidden needs in your organization: identifying and overcoming the barriers.

Link

Attributes of highly competent information system users

2011-03-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

What makes them so special?: identifying attributes of highly competent information system users

Authors: Brenda Eschenbrenner University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Business Administration, Lincoln, Nebraska. Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Business Administration, Lincoln, Nebraska. Proceedings of the 12th international conference on Human-computer interaction: interaction design and usability, 2007.

Abstract: Information systems (IS) usage is predominant in organizations. The effectiveness and strategic potential of IS, however, depend upon the individuals within the organization who use or rely on IS, both directly and indirectly, to perform their job functions. Individuals differ in their abilities to use IS effectively to maximize task performance. Some individuals far exceed their peer group and can realize greater performance levels than others. This research proposes to understand the attributes of these individuals using the Repertory Grid Technique. This technique will identify attributes of these individuals identified as highly competent IS users, defined as those individuals who are able to utilize IS to its fullest potential and obtain the greatest performance. The attributes identified may generate factors that can then be fostered in other IS users to improve performance.

Link

Management team performance

2011-03-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

The dimensions of management team performance: a repertory grid study

Authors: Barbara Senior, (Highfield House Consultancy, Milton Keynes, UK), Stephen Swailes, (University College Northampton, Northampton, UK), International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 53 Iss: 4, pp.317 - 333, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Abstract: Teamwork is a key feature of work in organisations and a central question in the extensive literature on teams concerns the ways that team performance can be measured. This paper summarises the concept of team performance and, focussing on management teams, reports the results of an extensive study into team members’ constructions of performance. Factor analysis of data collected through 60 repertory grid structured interviews with members of management teams suggests seven factors that represent team performance. The factors are: team purpose; team organisation; team leadership; team climate; interpersonal relations; team communications; and team composition. An eighth factor, team interaction with the wider organisation, is suggested from theoretical considerations and is included in an eight-factor model of team performance.

Link

Choosing a prosthetic device

2011-02-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

Identifying the Values and Preferences of Prosthetic Users: A Case Study Series Using the Repertory Grid Technique

Authors: Elisabeth Schaffalitzky, Sinead NiMhurchadha1, Pamela Gallagher, Susan Hofkamp, Malcolm MacLachlan, Stephen T. Wegener - Prosthetics Orthotics Internatiobnal June 1, 2009

Purpose: The matching of prosthetic devices to the needs of the individual is a challenge for providers and patients. The aims of this study are to explore the values and preferences that prosthetic users have of their prosthetic devices; to investigate users' perceptions of alternative prosthetic options and to demonstrate a novel method for exploring the values and preferences of prosthetic users.

Methods: This study describes four case studies of upper limb and lower limb high tech and conventional prosthetic users. Participants were interviewed using the repertory grid technique (RGT), a qualitative technique to explore individual values and preferences regarding specific choices and events.

Results: The participants generated distinctive patterns of personal constructs and ratings regarding prosthetic use and different prosthetic options available. The RGT produced a unique profile of preferences regarding prosthetic technologies for each participant.

Conclusions: User choice is an important factor when matching prosthetic technology to the user. The consumer's values regarding different prosthetic options are likely to be a critical factor in prosthetic acceptance and ultimate quality of life. The RGT offers a structured method of exploring these attitudes and values without imposing researcher or practitioner bias and identifies personalized dimensions for providers and users to evaluate the individuals' preferences in prosthetic technology.

Link Paper freely available

Capturing Tacit Knowledge

2011-02-24T13:24:00.000-08:00

Capturing Tacit Architectural Knowledge Using the Repertory Grid Technique

Authors: Dan Tofan, Matthias Galster, and Paris Avgeriou University of Groningen, Netherlands. The 33rd International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE) May 21 - 28, 2011 Session: Design Traceability. ICSE is the premier software engineering conference, providing a forum for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, experiences and concerns in the field of software engineering.

Background: Knowledge about the architecture of a software-intensive system tends to vaporize easily. This leads to increased maintenance costs.

Objective: We explore a new idea: utilizing the repertory grid technique to capture tacit architectural knowledge. Particularly, we investigate the elicitation of design decision alternatives and their characteristics.

Method: To study the applicability of this idea, we performed an exploratory study. Seven independent subjects applied the repertory grid technique to document a design decision they had to take in previous projects. Then, we interviewed each subject to understand their perception about the technique.

Results: We identified advantages and disadvantages of using the technique. The main advantage is the reasoning support it provides; the main disadvantage is the additional effort it requires. Also, applying the technique depends on the context of the project.

Conclusion: Using the repertory grid technique is a promising approach for fighting architectural knowledge vaporization.

Comment: This is notification of a paper to be presented.

Link

See Also: Why does subjectivity make us nervous?: Making the tacit explicit

and: Making Tacit Knowledge Explicit - The Constructs of PhD Students about Infinity

Patients' and clinicians' preference

2011-02-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

Understanding patients' preferences for treatment: the need for innovative methodologies

Authors: L J Frewer and N Lambert Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, UK; B Salter, University of East Anglia, UK. The international journal of healthcare improvement 2001

Abstract: Treatment selection is now much more consumer driven than in the past. However, there is a need to develop investigative methodological approaches that are sensitive to differences in patient preferences if full account is to be taken of what the patient sees as the best option in terms of different possible treatments available for a particular condition. Previous attitude research has been criticised because it does not provide insight into reasons why people hold different preferences or beliefs. A methodology is described which allows people to describe their concerns and values associated with different treatment options in their own words. This is the repertory grid method of eliciting personal constructs used in conjunction with generalised Procrustes analysis (GPA). An example of the use of this methodology is provided, drawn from research directed towards understanding people's beliefs about genetic technologies. A possible application of the method to understanding treatment preferences related to type 2 diabetes is also discussed. It is concluded that the use of innovative methodologies is essential if our understanding of patient preferences regarding treatment options is to have a significant impact on patient quality of life.

Key messages

To understand patient preferences for different treatment options, it is important to understand their risk perceptions and beliefs associated with the different treatments available.

It is also important that these beliefs are described using patients' own words so that they have psychological meaning and are not imposed on the patient by the experimenter.

The repertory grid methodology is described which will enable researchers to understand individual patient beliefs about the different treatments available in order to optimise treatment selection in accordance with patients' own needs and preferences.

Link full Article freely available

See Also: Medical Treatment Choices and Assessing patients' preferences for treatments

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Business and IT groups - relationships

2011-02-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

Understanding the relationship between business and IT groups: a personal construct theory approach

Authors: Senaka Fernando, Mark Lycett, Sergio De Cesare - School of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex. International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, Volume 3, Number 4 / 2006 Pages: 438 - 449

Abstract: The relationship between business and Information Technology (IT) groups in organisations has consistently ranked as an important concern among business and IT managers. As a result, several researchers have investigated the means of improving the business/IT relationship. They focus on behaviours of business and IT groups and attempt to develop change management programmes as a vehicle for obtaining desired behaviours from business and IT groups in order to improve the 'relationship'. However, research shows that such attempts have a low success rate in attaining an effective 'relationship'. This paper argues that the reason for this is that most researchers tend to focus on behaviours of people without an in-depth understanding of their cognition, which influences those behaviours. Consequently, the paper proposes a cognitive approach and explores the application of Personal Construct Theory (PCT) to understand the 'relationship' and means to improve it.

Link

Brand strength of cultural institutions

2011-02-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Measuring brand associations for museums and galleries using repertory grid analysis

Authors: Niall Caldwell and John Coshall - Management Decision 40.4 (April 2002)

Abstract: This paper is a contribution to the literature on the branding of cultural institutions. In particular it focuses on visitor motivation in the field of museums and galleries. Measurement of visitor motivations and associated brand strength of cultural institutions is a relatively new concern for marketers. The need to develop further understanding of how best to market museums in the twenty-first century motivates this research. Repertory grid analysis was used as the survey method in order to get data that were “rich” in terms of concepts, but also malleable in terms of statistical analysis. The results of an exploratory study of museum brand associations are reported, along with a discussion of the method of repertory grid analysis that was used to obtain the data. A total of 11 museums in London were targeted, with a special focus on the Tate Gallery.

Link