IITC researchers use a proven suite of methods to deliver results in improved implementation, enhanced productivity, streamlined service delivery, and enhanced safety and security. Among these methods are:

Rapid Assessment
A multi-disciplinary, team approach to identifying the critical cultural issues facing a company or public agency. Rapid assessment teams work in partnership with the client to identify cultural barriers to corporate or agency objectives, and craft realistic solutions for management implementation.

In-depth Ethnography
The numerous layers of culture sometimes require greater, in-depth investigation before solutions can be crafted: superficial approaches to deep-seated problems only compound the problem. To understand the deeper layers of a culture a more patient, in-depth, on-site study using participant observation is required. IITC ethnographers are trained in the full range of ethnographic research methods: observation, interviewing, content analysis, narrative analysis, and statistical surveys.

Critical Human Factors
Human Factors is an engineering discipline for improving the performance or user interface of advanced technological systems. The IITC approach to critical human factors adds to this an examination of the cultural assumptions that underlie the design of systems and procedures. By examining systems in the full range of contexts in which they are designed, deployed, and used, an improved alignment of systems and organizational objectives can be realized.

Safety and Security Culture Assessment
In numerous industries, the importance of safety culture for safe operations is recognized; likewise, America has only recently become aware of the importance of a security culture that combines vigilance with a respect for individual rights and liberties. IITC’s field-tested tools for safety culture assessment are being redesigned for use in security culture assessment.

Design Ethnography
Numerous corporations, including Xerox, DaimlerChrysler, and Motorola, have used in-depth ethnographic methods to improve their product designs. Use of ethnographic studies of user groups results in products that have greater value to the customer because they are attuned to the customer’s deepest wishes, expectations, and needs.