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Survey Instruments
1. What is the ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey©? The ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey© is a faculty/employee survey derived in part from the ModernThink Insight Survey©, an assessment tool that has been used in over 55 “Best Place to Work” programs with more than 4,000 organizations. The ModernThink Insight Survey© was developed after a meta-analysis of “best workplaces” and engagement surveys and our on-going research studying organizations that have been successful in building special cultures that enhance performance. The survey instrument measures the extent to which employees are involved and engaged in the organization and ultimately, the quality of the workplace experience. Working with The Chronicle of Higher Education, in early 2008 ModernThink convened a blue ribbon panel of experts and professionals within the field of higher education to solicit input regarding the customization of the ModernThink Insight Survey© so that it would best reflect the dynamics, systems and demographics unique to higher education. The 60-statement survey utilizes a five-point agreement scale (Strongly Agree, Agree, Sometimes Agree/Sometimes Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree). Additionally, there is a Not Applicable response option. The survey instrument also includes a 15-item benefits satisfaction component and two open-ended questions. There are 15 demographic questions at the end of the survey (Gender, Age, Race, Ethnicity, Marital Status, Annual Salary, Job Status, Years at Institution, Tenure Status, Supervisory Status, Years in Current Role, Job Category, Job Role, School/College and Department). While encouraged to provide responses to all 15 questions, respondents had the option of skipping one or more of them. The ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey© measures 15 dimensions reflecting managerial and organizational competencies. These dimensions were determined and confirmed through a series of factor analyses and provide the basis for the recognition categories. 2. What is the ModernThink Institution Questionnaire (“IQ”)? The ModernThink Institution Questionnaire© is essentially an audit of policies and management practices. Consisting of approximately 150 questions, the IQ captures important demographic data as well as details on a wide variety of topics including compensation, benefits, policies, practices, communication techniques, training and development, and much more. This information enables us to examine which benefits and programs are most effective, identify best practices and compile benchmark data based on different categorizations of the program participants. Benchmark data is compiled across Carnegie Classification, Geographic Region, Enrollment and Public/Private status. The information collected through the Institution Questionnaire© is reviewed and analyzed to support both the recognition analysis and our continuing research. 3. Can I see the surveys before I register for the program? Samples of both surveys are available for your review. Select ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey© or ModernThink Institution Questionnaire© to learn more. The ModernThink Institution Questionnaire© is completed by one or more management representatives at your institution or the main contact for the program. As many of the questions relate to Human Resource practices, we recommend HR involvement. Please allow approximately 10-20 hours to complete the Institution Questionnaire. 5. Do previous applicants have to complete the IQ again? If you participated in the program previously, you will not have to complete the entire form again but simply review the previous submission for accuracy and update the survey with any new information you have. In addition, there may be a limited number of new questions in the 2010 version of the IQ. 6. Does the ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey© meet IRB requirements? Each higher education institution has its own IRB procedure. In our experience, the faculty and staff survey is exempt from IRB requirements pursuant to Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Public Welfare, Section 46, Protection of Human Subjects because it is a confidential survey. Specifically, exemption number two of 45 CFR 46.101(b) provides in relevant part:
During the ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey process, data are collected in an anonymous and confidential manner and then tabulated and reported in the aggregate. Responses are never tied back to an identifiable individual. In addition, the demographic information is requested on strictly a volunteer basis. Even though the survey is highly likely to qualify as “exempt”, some institutions still may require an expedited review. Consult your internal IRB requirements. We have created a document for you to use internally to communicate with your Institutional Research / Institution Survey process available on the Downloads page. 7. How does ModernThink protect the confidentiality of the survey data? At ModernThink, we go to great lengths to ensure the anonymity of your employees' survey responses. For example, self-identifying demographic questions at the end of the survey are strictly voluntary. In addition, we only report data back to institutions when there are five or more respondents in a particular demographic category. At no point do we solicit employees from these e-mail lists nor do we sell or share in any manner these email lists. Select Statement of Confidentiality for further details how we protect the confidentiality of your survey data. If you have any questions about the Statement of Confidentiality, please call Kristina Naton at ModernThink. Kristina can be reached at 888.684.4658 ext. 104. 8. Whom can I contact with additional questions about the ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey© or ModernThink Institution Questionnaire©? Please contact ModernThink at 888.684.4658 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . |