[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 96 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27559-27560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13171]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of the Census
Field Representative Exit Questionnaire
ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.
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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, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 20, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions
should be directed to Geraldine Burt, Census/Field Division, Room 1684/
FOB 3, Washington, DC 20233-4400, and 301-457-1935.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
Retention of trained field interviewing staff is a major concern
for the Census Bureau because of both the monetary costs associated
with employee turnover, as well as the potential impact on data
quality. The Field Representative Exit Survey is used to collect data
from a sample of our former current survey interviewers (field
representatives) and Nonresponse Follow-up (NRFU) and Quality Check
(QC) interviewers (enumerators) employed during census operations. The
purpose of the survey is to determine the reasons for interviewer
turnover and what the Bureau might have done or do to influence
interviewing staff not to leave.
In addition to using form BC-1294 to collect data from field
representatives who have left the Bureau, we will use Form BC-1294(D)
to collect data from dress rehearsal and census enumerators on the
factors that affected their decision as to whether to stay with an
operation until it was completed. Since the nature of census enumerator
work differs from current surveys interviewing (short term, intensive
and concentrated work rather than continuing and diverse) we could not
use the existing questionnaire, ``as-is.'' The questions and response
choices on the BC-1294(D) have been tailored to census operations and
are more in-depth, although they cover largely the same topics as the
BC-1294. Additionally, questions about a supplemental pay plan are
included on the BC-1294(D). The 1998 Dress Rehearsal is the Bureau's
final opportunity to test its planned operations and procedures in a
simulated census environment in preparation for the 2000 Census.
Interviewer turnover is of heightened concern during a decennial census
because of the short time periods for data collection operations.
Because of this heightened concern, Form BC-1294(D) was recently added
to this clearance.
The information collected via the survey will help the Census
Bureau develop plans to reduce turnover in its current survey and
decennial interviewing staff. This in turn should allow for better
informed management decisions regarding the field work force and the
implementation of more effective pay plans and interviewer training for
both current and decennial interviewers. Prior research has suggested a
need for a more flexible pay plan for the decennial interviewing staff
in order to recruit sufficient number of interviewers and reduce
turnover. As part of the 1998 Dress Rehearsal, the Census Bureau will
be testing a supplemental pay plan in which pay rates are tied to the
local labor market and based partially on interviewer performance and
whether interviewers stay to complete their assignments. Questions on
the experimental decennial pay plans asked of dress rehearsal
enumerators will be used to determine the impact of the variable and
supplemental pay rates on enumerator turnover as well as the impact and
effectiveness of decennial enumerator training.
II. Method of Collection
The data will be collected by telephone. Interviews with former
field representatives should take no more than five (5) minutes.
Because of the in-depth nature of some of the questions on the BC-
1294(D) and the additional questions on the experimental decennial pay
plans, interviews with former NRFU and QC enumerators should take no
more than fifteen (15) minutes. We estimate that interviews will be
conducted with a total of 160 field representatives and about 2,500
enumerators on a yearly basis.
For former field representatives: Approximately every month, a
sample of one-half of all interviewers who voluntarily resigned within
the period will be contacted by telephone to complete a questionnaire.
For 1998 Dress Rehearsal enumerators: Beginning approximately two
weeks after the start of NRFU and QC operations, all enumerators who
have continuously been in a non-pay status for a period of two weeks
will be contacted by telephone to complete a questionnaire.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0607-0404.
Form Number: BC-1294, BC-1294(D).
Type of Review: Regular Submission.
Affected Public: Former Bureau Interviewers (Field Representatives
and Enumerators).
Estimated Number of Respondents: 160 Former Current Survey
Interviewers; 2,500 Former Dress Rehearsal Enumerators.
Estimated Time Per Response: 5 minutes for former current survey
interviewers; 15 minutes for dress rehearsal enumerators.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 13 hours for former current
survey interviewers; 625 hours for dress rehearsal enumerators; Total
is 638 hours.
[[Page 27560]]
Estimated Total Annual Cost: The only cost to respondents is that
of their time.
Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
Legal Authority: Title 5 USC, Section 3101 and Title 13 USC 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: May 12, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and
Organization.
[FR Doc. 98-13171 Filed 5-18-98; 8:45 am]
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