Combining theory, survey methodology, and database technologies in support of an organisational climate improvement strategy research

Combining theory, survey methodology, and database technologies in support of an organisational climate improvement strategy
research

The practice of using surveys to collect data on various aspects of organisational functioning is widespread. Indeed, the practice is currently so widespread that one may be forgiven for thinking of it as yet another management fad, something that appears on the scene,
mushrooms, and then disappears. A real threat to the long-term use of surveys is that they are seen as requiring so much expertise that they are usually outsourced and are likely to be the first things to go when budgets start tightening. The main purpose of this chapter is to describe
a database application that will help to lift organisational surveys above the level of a 'fad' and to place them among the tools that managers understand and can access on a regular and ongoing basis. We begin by
outlining some of the more general pitfalls that have always plagued organisational surveys. We draw these examples from our own extensive experience conducting surveys in private and public organisations.

Chapter 6.