Long Interviews in Organizational Research: Unleashing the Power of “Show and Tell”

Abstract

Long interviews represent a powerful method for generating rich qualitative data, yet they are rarely used in organizational research. To address their untapped potential, our paper provides methodological clarity on long interviews and illustrates how they can help researchers do and see more. We reflect in depth on our own experiences using long interviews to produce a theme analysis that illuminates the nature, role, and benefits of long interviews in organizational research. Our key insight is that long interviews are more than simply “speech events”; they offer a unique opportunity to unleash the power of “show and tell,” both by integrating material objects and spaces into the conversation and by making them the locus of interaction. Importantly, such interactions can elicit rich narrative details that inspire conceptual leaps, which, in turn, can lead to the development of impactful theories. We conclude with detailed recommendations for conducting long interviews and engaging in show-and-tell.