In this assignment you will conduct an in-depth interview of a manager or owner of a for-profit business. The business must have been fully established for at least 2 years and have at least 3 employees (other than you). This interview may be conducted in-person, over the phone, or online. You may interview a friend, relative, employer, or any individual who is a manager in, or owns a business that you use, admire, or are curious about.
< Note that this is an interview for a for-profit enterprise; charities or nonprofit organizations do not qualify for this assignment. Zero (0) points for interviews of charities or other nonprofits. >
This assignment will be graded on the thoroughness of the answers provided – it is important that you interview a manager or entrepreneur who gives complete and specific answers that can help you better understand business in the “real world”. This project will receive a 0 if the requirements for the interviewing company are not met: for example, a business with no employees, a business that is a concept but does not actually exist yet, a non-profit, etc.).
1. Company Identification and Information
– Name and title of individual interviewed and name and address of the company that the
manager works for or that interviewee owns
– Product or service offered and industry (or industries) in which the company competes
– The number of years the company has been in business and how the company is organized (sole
proprietorship, partnership, franchise, corporation, etc.)
– The number of employees
2. Interview Questions Provide answers to the following questions. For questions a – g write
preferably in the first person “voice” of the interviewee. Questions h and i are for you, to answer.
a. How did the economic downturn/recession affect your company? What signs of an economic recovery or further downturn do you see in your industry or company?
b. What is your company’s key strength versus its competitors?
c. What trends in business, society, or technology are creating opportunities or challenges for your company?
d. How do you keep your employees motivated? What is the role of pay, bonuses, benefits, or other nonmonetary incentives in motivating your employees?
e. How are your company’s products and/or services marketed? What marketing technique works best, in your opinion?
f. What do you think is the most important skill required for success in your position? Why?
g. What do you like best about your work? Why?
h. Student: You may ask any other question about the business that you wish here.
Provide both your question and the answer. Only one additional question is required, but
you may ask more if you wish.
i. Student: Provide your perspective on the interview and what you learned from it. Be
specific – at least one paragraph here.
Place your full name at the top upper-right of the paper. This assignment should be a minimum of 1-2 pages, single-spaced. Write in coherent sentences and paragraphs. Number and alphabetize the answers in the same format as the questions above are presented. Don’t combine sections. Use a professionl type face such as Ariel, Times Roman or Verdena in 11-12 point size. Points may be deducted for confusing/missing organization or identification.