Module 2

Module Introduction

  • Focus: Conclude the investigation and making findings.

  • Key Themes:
      - Overview of the concluding investigation.
      - Credibility analysis and its importance.
      - Application of findings to the Morgan case study.

Overview of "Conclude the Investigation"

  • Objective: Decide if each issue raised involves policy violations.

  • Components of Decision-making:
      - Making findings based on factual information.
      - Reaching conclusions for each issue and associated policies.

  • Process:
      - Involve coordination with managers, experts, or other departments when necessary.

Defining "Making Findings"

  • Making findings: Assessing and determining relevant factual information related to each issue.

  • Emphasis on applying findings to specific issues and related policies.

  • In organizations, investigators may prepare summaries or formal reports based on findings and conclusions.

  • Making findings and reaching conclusions are interconnected processes that require organization of information.

Method for Organizing Information

  • Use of a spreadsheet to organize issues and factual information, critical for the Morgan case study.

  • Categories in the spreadsheet include:
      - Issues (Behavior)
      - Findings
      - Related Policies
      - Conclusions
      - Concerns
      - Related Factual Context
      - Background Additional Factual Information

  • Example:
      - Examine the issue of "useless" based on Morgan's perceptions and Jesse's statements.

Making Findings in the Morgan Case Study

  • Overview of the activity on making findings, focusing on credibility analysis where relevant.

  • Questions to consider for all issues:
      - Whether to conduct a credibility analysis.
      - How to accurately describe findings related to the issues.

Credibility Analysis

  • Credibility analysis: Evaluating the likelihood of what occurred based on gathered information.

  • Sources of Information:
      - All sources, including interviews and documents, contribute to credibility.

  • Factors Affecting Credibility:
      - Plausibility, consistency, corroboration, accuracy, past records, and demeanor.
      - Caution against bias when assessing demeanor.

  • Statement Examples for Findings:
      - Confirmation, support by other information, context understanding, or presence of mitigating reasons.

Importance of Expert Review

  • Prior to finalizing findings, it is recommended to review with an expert or thought partner.

  • Be prepared to explain reasoning and interpretations based on credibility analysis.

Insights on Making Findings

  • Analyzing credibility may not always be required, but if so, it needs to be done with care.

  • The importance of discussing reasons for credibility assessments with managers or experts.

Key Issues Studied in the Morgan Case

  • Issue: "Useless"
      - Jesse confirmed usage of the term, but differing perceptions exist.
      - Conclusion drawn based on corroborative explanations.

  • Issue: "You're acting like my 12 year old"
      - Jesse confirmed statement and clarified intent—no necessity for credibility evaluation.

  • Issue: "Grow up"
      - Credibility must be assessed, as responses do not consistently align.
      - Alternative findings based on assumed credibility can be explored.

Summary of Credibility Assessment Processes

  • Reflection on findings from the Morgan Case Study; emphasis on distinct organizational methodology and terminology.

  • Consideration of how even small details and differing explanations play a crucial role in findings.

Module Wrap Up

  • Key Learnings: Making findings and conducting a credibility analysis were paramount in the module.

  • Importance of structured methodologies for concluding investigations effectively.

  • Encouragement to apply these techniques to real-world scenarios, such as the Morgan case study.