Navigating power dynamics in elite interviews

Abstract

ABSTRACT Elite interviews, which involve interviewing influential individuals, are an important data collection method. This article delves into the complexities of conducting elite interviews, drawing upon insights gained from interviewing 24 senior organisational leaders in New Zealand. This article argues that the power relations between researchers and elite respondents are not static; rather, they are shaped by the specific socio-political context. Moreover, the article argues that reflexivity plays a crucial role in interrogating the power dynamics between researchers and respondents. This enables a deeper understanding of how a researcher’s identity, including gender, nationality, and experience level, can influence the interview dynamics. This article contributes to the methodological understanding of elite interviews by not only providing empirical research but also by exploring a unique elite group: leaders of teacher unions, who are both professional and political elites.