Abstract
This white paper provides a quick overview of some key underlying issues associated with survey research along with Collaborative Action's strategies for addressing these issues. The key roles we identified in surveying practice include: sanctioning, designing, answering, interpreting, and deciding. Within each role, we identified a series of issues, typically hidden and un-discussed, that may impede the value that organizational research efforts produce. Addressed with Collaborative Action tools and strategies, these issues offer opportunities for leveraging value from the inquiry.

For example, traditionally, respondents make private judgments about the value of the effort, notwithstanding what public communication they may have received about the survey. These judgments are influenced by private assessments of previous survey efforts, particularly within the same organization, and beliefs held about what extent executives' value and commit to the effort, etc. These judgments affect whether individuals choose to participate, and if they do, the seriousness with which they participate.

Using Collaborative Action Technology, we are able to productively access these difficult issues. Our research utilizes a powerful set of inquiry methods that establish an open and safe environment to productively explore these and other critical issues, often hidden or difficult to openly discuss. When conducting interviews, for example, we introduce several of our tools that invite participants to publicly test their private thinking and examine the value of their honest contributions to the effort.