[Federal Register: February 21, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 35)]
[Notices]
[Page 9521-9522]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21fe08-37]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Census Bureau
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Field
Representatives/Enumerators Exit Questionnaire
AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on
or before April 21, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet
at dHynek@doc.gov).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions
should be directed to Darlene Moul, Census Bureau/Field Division, Room
5H051, Washington, DC 20233, or 301-763-1935, or via the Internet at
darlene.a.moul@census.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
In a continuous effort to devise policies and practices aimed at
reducing turnover among interviewers, the Census Bureau collects data
on the reasons interviewers voluntarily quit their jobs with the Census
Bureau. The exit questionnaires, BC-1294 and BC-1294(D), are the
instruments used to collect this data from a sample of former current
survey interviewers (field representatives) and decennial census
interviewers (enumerators/listers), respectively. Both forms ask
questions about the factors that affected an interviewer's decision to
voluntarily leave Census Bureau employment. Since the nature of census
enumerator work differs from current survey interviewing, we created
two questionnaires that are tailored to the operational differences.
While the forms cover the same topics, the questions and response
choices on the BC-1294 and BC-1294(D) reflect the differences in the
current survey and decennial interviewing operations.
Because of both the monetary cost associated with turnover and the
potential impact on data quality, the retention of trained field
interviewing staff is a major concern for the Census Bureau.
Consequently the goal or purpose of the exit questionnaires is to
identify the reasons for interviewer turnover and determine what the
Census Bureau might have done, or can do, to influence interviewers not
to leave. Therefore, the exit questionnaire seeks reasons interviewers
quit, inquires about motivational factors that would have kept the
interviewers from leaving, identifies training program strengths and
areas for improvement, and explores the impact of automation and the
influence of pay and other working conditions on turnover. The
information provided by respondents to the exit questionnaire provides
insight on the measures the Census Bureau might take to decrease
turnover, and is useful in helping to determine if the reasons for
interviewer turnover appear to be systemic or localized.
To accomplish the goal of reducing interviewer turnover, Census
Bureau planners and decision makers must fully understand the relative
importance and interaction of possible contributory factors. From both
the BC-1294 and BC-1294(D), we have learned that the causes of
interviewer turnover are often
[[Page 9522]]
a combination of reasons rather than one single reason. We have also
learned that there are some reasons for turnover which are within the
Census Bureau's control and some which are not. This data is not
available from any other source. The exit questionnaire is the only
instrument that solicits the information we need to answer our
questions concerning the impact of the various factors on Census Bureau
interviewer turnover.
As the environment in which surveys take place, the nature of
surveys conducted, and the characteristics of our labor force continue
to change, it is important that we continue to examine the
interviewers' concerns about the job of a Census Bureau interviewer.
The exit questionnaire has proven to be very useful and, therefore, we
want to continue to use it. The data we collect from current survey
interviewers and enumerators/listers during the 2010 decennial census
will help the Census Bureau develop plans to reduce turnover. These
results will also allow for better informed management decisions
regarding the future field work force and the implementation of more
effective recruitment, pay plans, interviewer training, and retention
strategies.
II. Method of Collection
The exit questionnaire will be administered by telephone. This
methodology is employed due to the nature of the questions, which may
require probing to obtain or clarify answers. In addition, telephone
methodology has historically yielded response rates that are greater
than those obtained from similar mail out/mail back methodologies,
especially when the collection interval is relatively short, and the
audience is former employees.
A sample of former employees will be called and asked a series of
questions about when and why they voluntarily quit their job. The
sample will not include interviewers (current survey or decennial) who
have been terminated for cause. Interviews with former field
representatives should take approximately seven (7) minutes. Because of
the nature of some of the questions on the BC-1294(D), interviews with
former enumerators/listers should take approximately ten (10) minutes.
We estimate that interviews will be conducted with a total of 500 field
representatives and 1,000 enumerators on a yearly basis.
For Former Field Representatives: Approximately every month, a
sample of one-half of all interviewers who voluntarily resigned, within
a given sampling period, will be contacted by telephone to complete a
questionnaire. The sample size will vary since it is dependent on the
universe size, which varies from one sampling period to the next.
For Former 2010 Census Enumerators and Listers: Beginning
approximately two weeks after the start of decennial field operations
(Address Canvassing, Update/Enumerate and Nonresponse-Followup), all
enumerators or listers who have been in a continuous non-pay status for
a period of two weeks will be contacted by telephone and asked to
complete a questionnaire.
III. Data
OMB Control Number: 0607-0404.
Form Number: BC-1294, BC-1294(D).
Type of Review: Regular submission.
Affected Public: Former Census Bureau Interviewers (Field
Representatives and Enumerators/Listers).
Estimated Number of Respondents: 500 Former Current Survey
Interviewers; 1000 Former 2010 Census Enumerators/Listers.
Estimated Time per Response: Seven (7) minutes for Former Current
Survey Interviewers; Ten (10) minutes for Census Enumerator/Listers.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 226 hours (59 hours for
Current Survey Interviewers; 167 hours for Census Enumerators/Listers).
Estimated Total Annual Cost: Approximately $4,000 for the BC-1294.
Additional cost for administering the BC-1294(D) during decennial
operations is approximately $8,000. The Census Bureau will bear this
cost. There is no cost to respondents other than their time.
Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
Legal Authority: Title 15 U.S.C., section 3101 and Title 13, U.S.C.
section 23.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of
automated collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.
Dated: February 12, 2008.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-2929 Filed 2-20-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P