What is a Survey?

Surveys are a method of gathering information from individuals. Surveys have a variety of purposes, and can be conducted in many ways. Surveys may be conducted to gather information through a printed questionnaire, over the telephone, by mail, in person, by diskette, or on the web. This information is collected through use of standardized procedures so that every participant is asked the same questions in the same way. It involves asking people for information in some structured format. Depending on what is being analyzed, the participants being surveyed may be representing themselves, their employer, or some organization to which they belong.

There are several common types of surveys including:

What is a 360 Degree Feedback Survey?

A 360 Degree Feedback Survey is used to provide an understanding how how the employee is perceived from different perspectives. It is conducted by administering a questionnaire to individuals (from several levels within the organization) who would have contact with the employee. These may include the supervisor, peers, subordinates, and customers.

What is a Salary Survey?

A Salary Survey is used to collect labor market data for the purpose of administering (or developing) a compensation program.

What is a Employee Attitude Survey?

An Employee Attitude Survey forms the basis for most organizational training and development initiatives. This feedback facilitates development and organizational change.