Survey Instrument

The ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey©

The ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey© is a faculty/staff 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 ongoing research studying organizations that have been successful in building workplace 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 engagement.

There are eight voluntary demographic questions at the end of the survey. There are also two pre-loaded demographics, that is, employees are tagged with these demographic choices.

The survey measures 10 core dimensions reflecting managerial and organizational competencies. The survey also includes a Faculty Experience dimension, comprising statements posed to Faculty and Adjuncts only. These dimensions were determined and confirmed through a series of factor analyses and provide the basis for the recognition categories.

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:

(2) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior, unless: (i) information obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects; and (ii) any disclosure of the human subjects’ responses outside the research could reasonably place the subjects at risk of criminal or civil liability or be damaging to the subjects’ financial standing, employability, or reputation.

During the ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey© process, data is 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 a strictly 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 Important Forms & Documents page.