September 8, 2008

Create standard questions for measuring communication

Research is important to help you develop a successful employee communication program, but if you’re asking different questions every time you survey, you may not be getting the full value of your measurement efforts. What you need is a standard set of questions for assessing specific areas, such as print publications, intranet sites and face-to-face forums.

By leveraging a consistent set of questions, you and your colleagues will build normative data that can be used to measure effectiveness and identify trends. For example, here are questions you might consider using to get feedback on town hall meetings:

1. The town hall meeting was an effective use of my time.
   

   Strongly agree

   Agree

   Neither agree nor disagree

   Disagree

   Strongly disagree



2. The town hall meeting helped me understand [insert relevant topic here].
   

   Strongly agree

   Agree

   Neither agree nor disagree

   Disagree

   Strongly disagree



3. I know what I need to do after the town hall meeting.
   

   Strongly agree

   Agree

   Neither agree nor disagree

   Disagree

   Strongly disagree



4. I had the opportunity to participate in the town hall meeting.
   

   Strongly agree

   Agree

   Neither agree nor disagree

   Disagree

   Strongly disagree



5. Questions were addressed candidly during the town hall meeting.
   

   Strongly agree

   Agree

   Neither agree nor disagree

   Disagree

   Strongly disagree