Leadership Survey Questionnaire

During the past few years, significant changes took place in democratic practices throughout the world, especially in Central Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States. An experienced international research team has been organized to try to study these changes and compare them with democracies in Western Europe and the United States. We believe that the local level is the foundation of any successful democracy. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us understand these developments which we believe will have a profound impact on the future of humanity.

Q1 1. What do you think are the most important problems facing this community now?

Q2 2. Are any of the following issues a problem for your city?

Q2   Very        Somewhat    No problem
Q2  serious      serious

Q2 Quality of education 

Q2 Unemployment

Q2 Poverty

Q2 Health services

Q2 Housing

Q2 Public improvements

Q2 Recreation and culture

Q2 Public safety 

Q2 Pollution (air, water, and noise)

Q2 Social services and welfare 

Q2 Race relations

Q2 Economic development 

Q2 Cost of local government 

Q2 Migration of aliens into the city

Q2 Other (please specify)

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Q3 3. In many communities there are private organizations and groups which assist in performing functions or providing services of local goverment. To what extent does this seem to be happening in your community in the following areas:

Q3  A Great Deal     To Some Extent      Not at All

Q3 Welfare

Q3 Day care

Q3 Private schooling

Q3 Housing

Q3 Crime

Q3 Community development

Q3 Environmental

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Q4 4. In which of these areas do you think that your local government has enough power and autonomy to act effectively?

Q4  Has powers    Lack powers 

Q4 Quality of education 

Q4 Employment

Q4 Poor people (poverty)

Q4 Health services

Q4 Housing problems

Q4 Public improvements

Q4 Recreation and culture

Q4 Crime and delinquency 

Q4 Pollution

Q4 Social services and welfare 

Q4 Race relations

Q4 Economic growth 

Q4 Migration of aliens into the city

Q4 4a. Regardless of how things are being done now, who in your opinion should have primary responsibility for (please check):

Q4    Central    Regional    Local     Nongovernment   Leave to
Q4  Government   (State)   Government   Organizations     the 
Q4              Government                              People 

Q4 Quality of education 

Q4 Employment

Q4 Poor people 

Q4 Health services

Q4 Housing problems

Q4 Public improvements

Q4 Recreation and culture

Q4 Pollution

Q4 Social services and welfare

Q4 Minority relations

Q4 Public improvements

Q4 Economic growth

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Q5 5. We would like to know how much influence you feel you have on what is accomplished in your community in the following areas. Please check the area s where you feel you have a great deal of influence, only some, or none at all.

Q5      Great           Some           No
Q5     Influence      Influence     Influence

Q5 Economic development 

Q5 Agriculture

Q5 Housing

Q5 Environmental protection

Q5 Public improvements, services, and utilities

Q5 Health

Q5 Culture, recreation and sports

Q5 Education

Q5 Political organization activity

Q5 Collection and distribution of public revenue (tax collection, budgeting)

Q5 Public order and safety 

Q5 Social services and welfare 

Q5 Employment

Q5 Immigrants

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Q6 6. When you as a leader are in a situation in which support from others is necessary, to whom do you usually turn?

Q6 Please check:

Q6 Local party leaders

Q6 Local elective officials

Q6 Local newspapers

Q6 Higher level party leaders

Q6 City managers or top administrative officials at the local level

Q6 Local leaders of political movements

Q6 Local civic, professional or reform groups concerned with local politics

Q6 Special groups in local party organization

Q6 Administrative colleagues at own level

Q6 State, county or higher administrative officials

Q6 Local business groups such as Chamber of Commerce

Q6 Local trade unions

Q6 Public or citizens generally

Q6 Local ethnic religious or racial groups

Q6 Neighborhood organizations

Q6 Lower income or lower social status people

Q6 Well-to-do people (wealthy upper class)

Q6 Close friends and supporters

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Q7 7. Below are some questions faced in the daily life of political leaders. Please examine the list closely and check the extent to which you agree or disagree with them:

Q7    Strongly   Agree   Disagree   Strongly
Q7     Agree                        Disagree

Q7 (1) The economic development of the nation should
Q7 take precedence over immediate consumer
Q7 gratification.

Q7 (2) The complexity of modern day issues requires
Q7 that only the more simple questions should be
Q7 considered publicly.

Q7 (3) Honesty and truthfulness must never be
Q7 compromised at any cost.

Q7 (4) The rights of minorities are so important that
Q7 the majority should be limited in what it can do.

Q7 (5) National goals should not be obtained at great
Q7 costs to local communities 

Q7 (6) Rich people should pay more for the support of
Q7 community projects than poor people.

Q7 (7) Every citizen should have an equal chance to
Q7 influence government policy.

Q7 (8) A high standard of living should be the most
Q7 important (ultimate) goal of a society.

Q7 (9) The most important thing for the leader is to
Q7 follow his convictions even if this is different 
Q7 from what the constituency expects.

Q7 (10) Public decisions should be made with unanimous
Q7 consent.

Q7 (11) Any individual or an organization has the right
Q7 to organize opposition or resistance to any
Q7 governmental initiative.

Q7 (12) Widespread participation in decisionmaking
Q7 often leads to undesirable conflicts.

Q7 (13) Although national affairs are important, people 
Q7 here should first worry about their own community
Q7 problems.

Q7 (14) Leaders should present the truth no matter what
Q7 the consequences are.

Q7 (15) Government regulation of business usually does
Q7 more harm than good.

Q7 (16) The government has the responsibility to see to
Q7 it that everybody has a job.

Q7 (17) Community progress is not possible if national
Q7 goals always have priority.

Q7 (18) Most decisions should be left to the judgement
Q7 of experts.

Q7 (19) There should be an upper limit on income so
Q7 that no one earns very much more than others.

Q7 (20) Competition is often wasteful and destructive.

Q7 (21) Only those who are fully informed on the issues
Q7 should vote.

Q7 (22) When some important problems are in question, a
Q7 leader should not pay attention to the fact that the
Q7 majority of the people in the community oppose him.

Q7 (23) We should not worry so much about national
Q7 problems when we have so many in our own community.

Q7 (24) The government has the responsibility to see
Q7 that nobody lives well when others are poor.

Q7 (25) Economic development should not be pursued if
Q7 it means hardships for the people.

Q7 (26) Local leaders should always be prepared to
Q7 adjust their programs to national goals and policies
Q7 even if this is disadvantageous for the community 

Q7 (27) Few people really know what is in their best
Q7 interests in the long run.

Q7 (28) After obtaining a certain standard of living
Q7 further concern with economic growth is not
Q7 required.

Q7 (29) Leaders who are over concerned about resolving
Q7 conflicts can never carry out community programs
Q7 successfully.

Q7 (30) Participation of the people is not necessary if
Q7 decisionmaking is left in the hands of a few trusted
Q7 competent leaders.

Q7 (31) It will always be necessary to have a few
Q7 strong, able people actually running everything.

Q7 (32) Preserving harmony in the community should be
Q7 considered more important than the achievement of
Q7 community programs.

Q7 (33) Only economic development will ultimately
Q7 provide the things required for the welfare and
Q7 happiness of the people.

Q7 (34) When people accumulate wealth, it is only at
Q7 the expense of others.

Q7 (35) In every situation poor people should be given
Q7 more opportunities than rich people.

Q7 (36) A good leader should refrain from making
Q7 proposals that divide the people even if these are
Q7 important for the community.

Q7 (37) In order to achieve community goals, it is
Q7 permissible for leaders to present facts in a
Q7 onesided way.

Q7 (38) The minority has a right to oppose but no right
Q7 to resist decisions taken by the majority.

Q7 (39) The private enterprise system is generally a
Q7 fair and efficient system.

Q7 (40) Certain people are better qualified to run this
Q7 Country due to their traditions and family
Q7 background.

Q7 (41) In order to avoid misunderstanding by the
Q7 people, a leader should not disclose certain facts.

Q7 (42) A leader should modify his actions to keep
Q7 consensus.

Q7 (43) The government has the responsibility to see to
Q7 it that rights of all minorities are protected.

Q7 (44) Local leaders should always publicly and
Q7 truthfully speak the facts about their failures in
Q7 performing social affairs.

Q7 (45) Discrepancies in salaries should be continually
Q7 reduced.

Q7 (46) A leader is obligated to follow the wishes of
Q7 the community even if he thinks the citizens are
Q7 mistaken.

Q7 (47) In this complicated world the only way we can
Q7 know what is going on is to rely on leaders or
Q7 experts who can be trusted.

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Q8 8. Below is a list of values and ideals which some leaders feel are important. Please tell us which three of these are most important to you. Most important:

Q8 To work for economic development of society

Q8 To avoid conflict and maintain good relations among people

Q8 To sacrifice your own interests for the interests of others

Q8 To give priority to the national goals over the requiremqnts of the local community

Q8 To keep public leaders honest and truthful about public affairs

Q8 To promote citizen participation in deciding about community affairs

Q8 To equalize dsifferences and distinctions based on economic and social discrimination

Q8 To look for new solutions to problems rather than be satisfied with things the way they are

Q8 Which one of these have you chosen as most important for you:

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Q9 9. In various countries, there is a lot of discussion about how business and industry should be managed. Which of these five statements is the best in your opinion?

Q9 The owners should run their business or appoint the managers.

Q9 The owners and the employees should cooperate in the selection of managers.

Q9 The state should be owner and managers should be elected by employees.

Q9 The state should be owner and appoint the managers.

Q9 The employees should own the business and should select the managers.

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Q10 10. In many communities there are conflicts which interfere with effective action to meet community problems. are there some major conflicts that interfere with getting things done in your community?

Q10 Yes,

Q10 No

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Q11 11. If yes, would you please name one or two?

Q12 12. To what extent do these conflicts come in the way of the development of your community?

Q12 Very much,

Q12 Some,

Q12 Not at all

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Q13 13. To what extent do differences such as the following tend to divide people in your community?

Q13  Very much    Somewhat     Not at all

Q13 Differences between young and old

Q13 Differences in education 

Q13 Differences in income 

Q13 Differences in religious belief 
Q13 or affiliation

Q13 Differences in political views

Q13 Differences between city and country 
Q13 (urban rural)

Q13 Differences between managers and
Q13 employees

Q13 Differences in social origins

Q13 Differences in racial and ethnic origins

Q13 Differences between those desiring
Q13 social change and those opposing it

Q13 Differences between manual and
Q13 nonmanual

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Q14 14. Which of the following ways can people best influence decisions:

Q14 Referendum, voting

Q14 People's meetings, public debates

Q14 Committees to solve specific issues

Q14 Movements, groups, and associations with more general objectives political parties

Q14 Local self-government bodies (councils)

Q14 Trade Unions

Q14 Parliamentary elections

Q14 Presidential elections

Q14 Personal contact with decision-makers

Q14 Use of media

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Q15 15. Compared to five years ago (or year of first study), is the participation of the people in local affairs in your community today greater, about the same, or less?

Q15 Greater,

Q15 About the same,

Q15 Less

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Q16 16. Is there in your community a way for challenging the decisions of community leaders?

Q16 Yes,

Q16 No

Q16 If yes, in what ways?

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Q17 17. Generally speaking, would you say that most people can be trusted or that you can't be too careful dealing with people?

Q17 Most people can be trusted

Q17 Can't be too careful

Q17 Don't know

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Q18 18. Should these minorities have the right to have their own:

Q18  Minority#1     Minority#2     Minority#3
Q18  Yes     No     Yes     No     Yes     No

Q18 Church

Q18 School

Q18 Press

Q18 Representatives in elected bodies

Q18 Language recognized as official 

Q18 Cultural organizations

Q18 Political parties

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Q19 19. On this list are various groups of people. Could you please sort out any that you would not like to have as neighbors (nation specific, use at least 12 items):

Q19 People with a criminal record

Q19 People of a different race

Q19 Left wing extremists

Q19 Heavy drinkers

Q19 Right wing extremists

Q19 People with large families

Q19 Emotionally unstable people

Q19 Muslims

Q19 Immigrants/foreign workers

Q19 People who have AIDS

Q19 Drug addicts

Q19 Homosexuals

Q19 Jews

Q19 Gypsies

Q19 Hindus

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Q20 20. Here are some different forms of political action th at people can take, and I'd like you to tell me, for each one, whether you have actually done any of these things, whether you might do it, or would never, under any circumstances, do it.

Q20  Have done       Might do      Would never do

Q20 Signing a petition

Q20 Joining in boycotts

Q20 Attending lawful demonstrations 

Q20 Joining unofficial strikes

Q20 Occupying buildings or factories

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Q21 21. With which of the following groups do you identify?

Q21 (multiple choice)

Q21 Locality or town where you live

Q21 Region of country where you live

Q21 Your country as a whole

Q21 Group of countries (nation specific)

Q21 Europe (for European countries only)

Q21 The world as a whole

Q21 Other, please specify

Q21 My first choice is .........................

Q21 My second choice is .....................

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Q22 22. Would you say that the following problems are very serious or no problem at all?

Q22        In your                  In your                  In the
Q22       Community                 Country                  World 
Q22  Very  Somewhat   No      Very  Somewhat   No      Very  Somewhat   No
Q22 Serious Serious Problem  Serious Serious Problem  Serious Serious Problem

Q22 Air pollution

Q22 Contamination of
Q22 drinking water

Q22 Pollution of lakes
Q22 and rivers

Q22 Solid waste
Q22 disposal

Q22 Nuclear and
Q22 chemical waste

Q22 Extinction of wild
Q22 life

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Q23 23. Should your city council be responsive to local initiatives on the following issues?

Q23  Yes     No

Q23 Global warming

Q23 Apartheid

Q23 Nuclear disarmament

Q23 Third world countries' problems

Q23 Hunger in some parts of the world 

Q23 Effects of Chernobyl disaster

Q23 World economic development 

Q23 Other global or international issues

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Q24 24. To what extent do the following have an impact on your community?

Q24  A great deal    To some extent     Not at all

Q24 Foreign investments

Q24 Exports

Q24 Imports

Q24 Foreign workers

Q24 Environmental pollution from
Q24 other countries

Q24 Foreign language TV and radio 

Q24 Foreign tourists

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Q25 25. Does your community have agreements on cooperation with communities in other countries?

Q25 Please specify.

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Q26 26. How important is this cooperation for your community?

Q26 Very important

Q26 Some important

Q26 Not at all

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Q27 27. What countries are the most important to the future of your community?

Q28 28. What counties made the greatest progress towards democracy in the last 5 years?

Q29 29. What countries do you like most?

Q30 30. What countries do you dislike?

Q31 31. With what countries should your country cooperate closest?

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Q32 32. What should be the two main goals of this country during the next ten years?

Q32 Maintaining order in the nation

Q32 Giving people more say in important government decisions

Q32 Fighting rising prices

Q32 Protecting freedom of speecH

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Q33 33. There is considerable argument concerning the meaning of democracy. What does democracy

mean to you?

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Background Data

Q34 34. Present position:

Q35 35. How many years (or months) have you held your present position?

Q36 36. How many years (or months) have you held a public administrative or political position?

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Q37 37. Have your father or mother held governmental or political positions, or performed functions such as yours?

Q37 (please check)

Q37 Father

Q37 Mother

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Q38 38. Political affiliation/party support:

Q38 (nations specific)

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Q39 39. What has been your principal occupation during your life?

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Q40 40. What were the principle occupations of your parents?

Q40 Father

Q40 Mother

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Q41 41. How many years have you lived in this community?

Q42 42. Were you born in this community?

Q43 43. How old are you?

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Q44 44. Did you complete:

Q44 vocational school

Q44 high school

Q44 college or university

Q44 graduate or professional degree

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Q45 45. Sex:

Q46 46. Married

Q46 Yes,

Q46 No

Q47 47. Religious preference (nation specific):

Q48 48. Do you attend church weekly?

Q48 Yes,

Q48 No

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Q49 49. Race, nationality (nation specific):

Q50 50. In political matters, people talk of "the left" and "the right". How would you place your views on this scale generally speaking?

Q50 Left Right

Q50 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Please send all questions and comments to either Baxter Thomason, Dr. Henry Teune, University of Pennsylvania or Tatiana Iskra, Pultusk School of Humanities, Pultusk, Poland.

This page was last modified on November 28, 2000