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Typically a subset of the whole organization participates
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Content reflects a broad range of issues that are important to the general state of performance, but can be focused
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Action taken at management level
While similar to census surveys in some degree, sample surveys are used primarily to get a sense of where the organization currently stands. In most cases the content of the survey tends to be broad, addressing key issues that are important to understanding the organization's general state of performance. However, the content may also be focused on one or two highly critical issues when necessary.
Results are used primarily for top level decision making - especially in terms of determining strategic directions and future actions.
Because of the higher level use of the survey results, a sample of participants is used for this survey rather than the whole organization. This helps reduce costs and time involved. Also, because only a sample of people are asked to complete the survey, it is less visible, and therefore less likely to raise expectations of employees. This gives top management more flexibility and time in how they use and react to the results.
The disadvantage to the sample is that it restricts the results to higher order levels in the organizational hierarchy, and does not provide specific feedback to work groups. The agenda for change rests in the management's hands.
The sample survey, however, is quite powerful in helping top managers gauge where they are and make informed decisions about where they need to go.
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