Publication - Research and analysis
New Deal for Business – metrics subgroup report: business and industry surveys - capturing core business measures
This report explores how data collection in business and industry surveys can be made more consistent. It summarises questions used in a selection of business surveys in Scotland and provides guidance on framing questions.
6. Some other best practice
- If asking about turnover/profits or other sensitive information- it’s best to provide ranges to ensure survey respondents do not have to give a precise number.
- Keep close attention to the length of survey. A long survey can negatively affect response rates.
- To get a better sense of trends, its helpful to have a regular set of questions, plus topical questions which change - this facilitates time period analysis, as well as allows new questions to be asked if and when required.
Fraser of Allander Institute
April 2025
Contact
Email: OCEABusiness@gov.scot