The evidence from interviews was matched with review of minutes,
proceedings and ministerial announcements to support interpretation.
Data were collected until saturation was reached. Most
interviews were done face-to-face in the respondents’ work place.
Only two interviews were done via telephone, to suit the convenience
of interviewees. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed
verbatim. Each interview lasted 45–60 min on average. Verbal consent
was obtained before the interview. All interviewees were given
assurances on anonymity and data security. The research team informed
interviewees that their participation in the study would not
harm their work benefits, and procedures to minimize this risk were
followed, including asking the informants to check the draft final report,
and providing them with contact details of the principal investigator
if they had any inquiries at any time during and after the
interviews.