Take part in a survey? Eh no. I usually ignore such a request. I feel I have better things to do when such a link lands in my inbox. But sometimes, when I receive a reminder two weeks later, I allow myself to be persuaded. Usually because the subject is too important. For example, recently there was Persveilig, (Safe Press), a joint initiative of the Dutch Association of Journalists (Nederlandse Vereniging van Journalisten, NVJ), the Dutch Society of Senior Editors, (Nederlands Genootschap van Hoofdredacteuren), the Police, and the Counsel for the Prosecution, carried out an investigation into female journalists and safety. The results will be published on 1 December.
Chatting with colleagues proved that they don’t jump for joy either when they receive a questionnaire: “I only fill them in when I have a clear opinion about the subject,” said someone in the next room. Or if it is about scientific research, which also appears to be a trigger to participate. Our youngest editor, a recent graduate, always filled in the National Student Survey: “I studied at a small study programme. So, your opinion can be of real influence to the final score. It also makes you stop and think about your study: where do I stand?” Two doors further along, I find a colleague who often says yes to such a request. “Sometimes as a favour to a friend, but more often because I regularly am the party asking. In that way, I hope to earn karma points: if I fill this in now, maybe they will participate in our survey later on.”
And that is exactly what I want to ask. Together with sister media from other universities and universities of applied sciences, Observant (which much thanks to colleague CF) is organising a survey to find out what you think about diversity and inclusivity at (in this case) Maastricht University. We hope to be able to compare the Maastricht results with the national results. The survey - in Dutch and English, one for employees, one for students – will be live for three weeks, results will follow by the middle of December.
So, will you take part? It won’t take more than ten minutes of your time.