OPINION SURVEY REPORT
The opinion survey was conducted between 15th 22nd October 1984. The aim of the survey was to attempt to ascertain reactions and views from members of the Association of Expatriate Civil Servants on the Draft Agreement on the future of Hong Kong as it affected expatriate civil servants.
The reaction to the questions was widely varied and the views expressed, broad in approach. Some remarks were expressed in very strong terms indeed whilst others were more subtle. Some definite themes were expressed, however, the strongest impression given, is that the views were forthright, honest and sincere and that there is a strong desire to express them judging by the proportion who added half a sheet or more of additional remarks. The reaction and views do not reflect apathy to the issue amongst the membership. The amount of comment and conditional answers given deserve a considerable amount of time to truly assimilate. This report attempts to retain this variety and colour of views and makes no attempt at drawing conclusions.
It is possible to interpret the number of questionnaires not returned as an indication of a wide feeling that there was no useful Purpose served by returning the questionnaire completed or otherwise. It is conjecture that nothing could be done or even if it could, AECS would not be able to do it. If this was the case it was based on a misunderstanding of the aim of the survey. If sufficient members had indicated that there was no point in giving reactions and views this would have been
most useful to know, it could then have been recognised and quantified. Perhaps this aspect ought to have been covered by a question, it is a matter of debate.
The great danger of trying to give an overall summary of views is that some important minority aspect may be overlooked. Nevertheless this had to be done. Based on the opinion survey the Association has made a submission to the Assessment Office and the Chief Secretary. Also letters have been sent to the 100 or so members of the Hong Kong Parliamentary Group. (See Appendices 1, 2 & 3).
There was some criticism of the questions and the shortage of time allowed to complete and return the questionnaire. Also some members experienced delays in receiving the questionnaires. Much of this criticism is valid and accepted. What has been done is the best that could be in the circumstances. It is not disappointing. Despite the deadline imposed for taking into account replies this has been relaxed in respect of the report, all replies having been taking into account, at least to some extent.
Members may draw their own conclusions from the tables shown in this report, however, it should be borne in mind that many of the YES, NO, DONT KNOW answers were conditioned by remarks. The tables are useful nevertheless because they indicate clearly differing view points in the groups within the membership.
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Membership as at 22.10.84
Breakdown
1540
TOTAL NUMBER OF QUESTIONNAIRES DISTRIBUTED:
TOTAL NUMBER RETURNED
1668
543
Breakdown into groups:
Late Returns
Total
1. Pensionable Officers aged
42 & under
56
5
61
1. Permanent
and
Pensionable
% excluding 4. Adjusted Membership
taking into account 4.
2. Pensionable Officers aged
43 & over
105
11
116
Total from Pensionable Officers
177
42 and under
70
5.4%
83
43 and over
196
15.1%
233
3. Agreement Officers aged
42 & under
165
11
176
4. Agreement Officers aged
Total
266
20.5%
316
43 & over
90
8
98
5. Agreement Officers
2. Agreement
(No age given)
49
8
57
42 and under 654 43 and over
50.4%
776
346
26.7%
411
Total from Agreement Officers
331
COMPLETED RETURN 465 43
508
1000
77.1%
1187
6. RETURNED UNCOMPLETED
35
3. Others
31
GRAND TOTAL
543
31
1297
2.4%
37
100 %
4. Not Stated
243
243
Grand Total 1540
1540
NOTE: As with all surveys there will be a percentage of the questionnaires not returned. Contributing to this are the following factors:
1. Members did not receive questionnaires, i.e. on leave, retired,
incorrect address, left HK, form did not reach officer.
2. Members unable to send reply within the time limit and did not
make a return.
3. Returns not received by AECS.
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