Participant observation is a data collection tool that can be used to study behaviors in a natural
setting. For instance, researchers might use participant observation to investigate the dynamics
between employees in an organizational setting. Participant observations involve the researcher as
a participant in the environment that he/she is studying.
Students will carry out a participant observation of an employee on the job. Students will observe
the behaviors of their study subjects for a 15 to 30 minute period. Students are advised to choose a
relatively rich environment for this participant observation activity to allow for enough data
collection to complete the written assignment.
Examples of employees to observe:
Observe a front line employee engaged in a customer service job: a barista at Starbucks, a counter
person at a fast food restaurant, a checkout clerk in a grocery store, a service advisor in a car
dealership, a nurse in a doctor’s office, a sales associate in a department store, etc.
What is the purpose of your observation? What information will you gather about the employee’s
behavior that relates to customer service?
Describe the behaviors in factual terms. Avoid making assumptions or judgments.
D E L I V E R A B L E S
Submit a paper consisting of 3-5 pages (12 pt., Times New Roman, double-space, 1 inch margins) to
the Assignment Drop Box in Blackboard. The paper should include the following elements:
 Statement of the purpose of your observation. (see Chapter 3 Barbazette Text)
 Detailed description of what you observed (e.g. Time, location, employee behaviors).
 Your reflections on the experience of conducting a participant observation.
 Your ideas on what skills are required to conduct a successful participant observation.
 Your ideas for how participant observation can be used in needs assessment.
G R A D I N G R U B R I C
Criteria Possible Points
Paper has all required elements and correct formatting 14
Paper submitted to Blackboard prior to the published due date 2
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation 4