Market and Social Research You Can Trust

Media release
Wednesday 9 November 2011

The Research Industry Council of Australia (RICA), joint council for the market & social research industry, today expressed concern about a number of recent media stories questioning the authenticity of market research.

Martin O’Shannessy, President, Association of Market and Social Research Organisations (AMSRO) said, “As an industry group we are concerned about the negative positioning these stories might have on consumer confidence. Market and social research plays a vital role, assisting governments and businesses to develop services, policies, and products that are responsive to an identified need and contribute to Australia’s economic wellbeing. The industry complies with strict, government-approved codes of conduct that ensure ethical behaviour and professional standards. If there are individuals or companies not complying with our codes and practices then it’s a problem and one we would address.”

Demand for quality research continues to increase as organisations recognise the needs to ensure key policies; programs or strategies are based on rigorous research and facts, not guesswork. The research industry turns over around $750 million annually and employs more than 4,100 full time staff plus many more.

Peter Harris, President, AMSRS (Australian Market & Social Research Society) said, “We work in a dynamic industry and need to ensure it continues to enjoy a solid reputation for the research professionals involved who provide trustworthy and accurate information to Australia’s decision makers, whether they’re companies, state or federal government departments, or not-for-profit organisations.”

AMSRO and AMSRS members operate under the following government – approved codes of conduct and professional standards:

• AMSRS Code of Professional Behaviour
• The International Standard for Market, Opinion and Social Research (ISO 20252)
• The Qualified Practising Market Researcher scheme (QPMR)
• The International Standard for Access Panels for Market and Social Research (ISO 26362)
• Member companies operate in compliance with ACMA calling standards, under strict privacy principles and pay staff by or above the relevant agreements.
• AMSRO companies adhere to the Market and Social Research Privacy Code, approved by the Privacy Commissioner under the Privacy Act as approved by the Privacy Commissioner in 2003.

Any complaints can be investigated and sanctions applied by AMSRS and AMSRO. Companies or individuals that breach these standards face expulsion from AMSRO or AMSRS.

About RICA

The Research Industry Council of Australia is the authoritative voice for the market and social research industry in Australia. It is a joint venture of the Australian Market and Social Research Society (AMSRS) and the Association of Market and Social Research Organisations (AMSRO).

For additional information: www.rica.com.au

For further information or to arrange an interview:

Sarah Campbell
Executive Director
AMSRO
T: (02) 9552 4618
www.amsro.com.au

Elissa Molloy
Executive Director
AMSRS
(02) 9566 3100
www.amsrs.com.au