Mail Surveys of Reluctant Professionals

The procedures deal with improving the cost-benefit ratio of cooperation for the busy professional, being sensitive to confidentiality concerns, and allowing the respondent a full range of answers, including written comments, instead of an answer.

Abstract

This article discusses procedures for improving cooperation to mail questionnaires of professional groups. Some of the methods proposed differ from those used with general populations. The procedures deal with (1) improving the cost-benefit ratio of cooperationfor the busy professional; (2) being sensitive to confidentiality concerns, which are especially important for studies of organizations; and (3) allowing the respondent a full range of answers, including written comments, instead offorcing an answer.