What is the effect of intimidation and blaming on the interview process?

• A. It will result in an ineffective interview process
• B. It will improve accuracy
• C. It will speed up conclusions
• D. It will encourage openness

Answer: (A)

Intimidation and blaming in interviews destroy psychological safety, which is essential for collecting accurate information. When people feel threatened or judged, they tighten up, give guarded or evasive responses, and withhold details that matter. This skepticism and defensiveness distort what’s shared and can lead to missing root causes or context, making the interview process ineffective overall. In such an environment, data quality suffers, findings become biased, and conclusions take longer because you have to chase inconsistencies and verify partial information. By contrast, a nonjudgmental, respectful approach invites openness, fosters trust, and yields more complete, truthful responses. That’s why intimidation and blaming do not improve accuracy or speed; they undermine the interview’s purpose.