In in social sciences and to test hypotheses, I need to collect data from employees working in a public departments. While some are very kind and cooperative, I also met some that are very difficult to work with. For example, requesting permission to conduct a research - some officers from the management level unwilling to cooperate and demonstrate an attitude that they are not interested or even give me lansi attitude, they way they speak is pretty impolite.

Also, some give empty promises and keep delaying, even though I always follow up with them. I try my best to be nice, approachable and polite when I deal with them but apparently it doesn't always work.

This is the reason my data collection has been delayed. Don't want to sound like complaining much, just need opinions how you guys deal with this situation to expedite your research.

Yes, it is true can't force them to participate. The problem is sometimes top management approves, but the officer that handles it very lansi. Also, I need official permission from a particular department since they has jurisdiction over other gov departments that I want to collect data. So getting approval from this particular department is imperative.