Designing Integrated Multi-Role Survey Instruments: A Converge–Diverge–Reconverge Framework for Complex Organisations

Abstract

Diverse, interdependent roles characterise engineering workplaces, creating complex pathways for risk propagation that are difficult to capture with standard safety climate surveys. Yet, many survey instruments treat the workforce as a homogeneous population or rely on siloed, role-specific tools. This paper presents a methodological framework for designing integrated multi-role survey instruments using a converge–diverge–reconverge architecture supported by branching logic.

The framework combines front-loaded universal modules to enable cross-role comparison, role-specific modules delivered through branching to capture functional depth and concluding universal modules to re-anchor responses at the organisational level. Survey architecture, sequencing decisions, and branching logic are documented as methodological contributions, with explicit attention to respondent burden, completion-time parity, and analytical integrity. The framework is demonstrated through the design and deployment of a global engineering workplace survey.

Rather than reporting empirical findings, the paper focuses on instrument design, transparency, and reusability. A validation pathway is outlined to support subsequent empirical analysis while maintaining a clear separation between design and results.
The framework provides practical guidance for researchers seeking to study systemic workplace phenomena across diverse engineering roles and is transferable to other complex, multi-role organisational contexts. Complete replication materials are provided to support methodological transparency and enable adaptation by different research teams.