The researcher interview: a reflexive perspective

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to highlight some of the issues that emerge in the researcher interview process. It is argued that researcher interviewing is becoming an increasingly used practice yet the researcher interview is under‐critiqued in the literature. Design/methodology/approach – The authors provide an “insider” account of their own experiences of researcher interviewing. Additionally they seek to locate these experiences within two conceptual approaches: that of reflexivity and identity work. Findings – The paper aims to investigate some of the distinctive concerns that arise when one researcher interviews another. Research limitations/implications – The paper outlines the implications for others who may be engaging in the process of interviewing researchers, and highlights further issues for consideration when planning a researcher interview study. Originality/value – The paper provides an analysis of a little considered, but expanding practice within qualitative research, namely the researcher interview.