Surveying Stakeholders to Inform Policy

Survey Research in Public Administration

Survey research is a method of data collection that involves asking a sample of individuals a series of standardized questions in order to collect information about their attitudes, beliefs, opinions, behaviors, or characteristics (Nardi, 2018). Surveys can be conducted in various formats, such as in-person interviews, phone interviews, mailed questionnaires, or online surveys. The data collected from surveys can be analyzed quantitatively to identify patterns, trends, and relationships among variables. Survey research is commonly used in fields such as social science, marketing, public health, and public policy to understand the attitudes and behaviors of specific populations (Mettler & Soss, 2004).

Moreover, survey researchers have a responsibility to conduct surveys with honesty and integrity, and to accurately report and interpret the results of the survey. Proverbs 12:22 states, "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy." When conducting surveys, it is important to ensure that the questions are unbiased and accurately reflect the opinions and beliefs of the individuals being surveyed.

Thus, survey research is a valuable tool for public administrators as it provides insights into the attitudes, opinions, and behaviors of citizens, stakeholders, and other relevant groups. Public administrators can use this data to make informed policy decisions that are responsive to the needs and preferences of the public.

Public administrators are responsible for making policy decisions that impact the lives of the citizens they serve. These decisions can range from allocating resources to implementing new programs and policies. In order to make informed decisions that reflect the needs and preferences of the public, public administrators need to have a thorough understanding of the attitudes, opinions, and behaviors of the populations they serve.

For example, if a public administrator is tasked with developing a new public transportation system, they may conduct a survey to gather information about the transportation needs and preferences of the population. They may ask questions about the frequency of transportation use, preferred modes of transportation, and locations that need improved transportation options. This data can help the administrator make informed decisions about the type of transportation system that should be implemented, where it should be located, and what features it should include.

Likewise, survey research has been used to support policy decisions is in the area of public health. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many public health agencies conducted surveys to understand the public's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to the virus. The data collected helped administrators make decisions about how to allocate resources, develop public health messaging, and implement policies to contain the spread of the virus (Azlan et al., 2020).

From a biblical perspective, survey research can align with the call for wise stewardship of resources and a commitment to serving the needs of others. Proverbs 18:13 says, "To answer before listening—that is folly and shame." Survey research allows public administrators to listen to the voices of the public and make decisions based on their needs and preferences. Additionally, James 1:19 instructs us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." Survey research allows public administrators to listen carefully to the public's opinions and concerns before making decisions that could affect their lives. The Bible clearly shows that listening to people is important. Plus, the principles of wisdom, discernment, and integrity are found throughout the Bible and can and should be applied to the practice of survey research in public administration.