Measuring public opinion through surveys: An essential method for policy decisions grounded in facts
In the throes of an ever-scrutinized political landscape, grounding decision-making on concrete evidence rather than assumptions or political convenience is paramount.
Public opinion polls serve as a cornerstone in this endeavor, offering real-time insights into the public's needs, worries, and expectations for policymakers. Employing scientifically conducted surveys, governments and institutions can better align their policies with public sentiment, fostering greater accountability and effectiveness.
The muscle of polling in policy determination
Public opinion polls are not simply assessments of popular sentiment; they are potent instruments that shape governing, evaluate policy effectiveness, and bolster public trust in the decision-making process.
By systematically collecting and dissecting data, polls can pinpoint pressing societal issues, reveal policy shortcomings, and suggest strategic solutions resonating with the people. For instance, surveys conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) have repeatedly exposed areas of government inefficiency, yet meaningful reforms remain elusive. If Pakistan is to progress towards effective governance, data-driven decision-making must form the foundation of public policy.
Consider the example of the tobacco industry, where lax enforcement of evidence-based policies results in substantial financial losses. As per the most recent research by IPOR, compliance with the Track and Trace System (TTS) remainsexceptionally low. Out of 413 cigarette brands available on the market, merely 19abide by the system, leaving 54% non-compliant.
A sizeable percentage of the non-compliant tobacco market consists of local duty-evaded brands, amounting to 55%, while smuggled brands make up the remaining 45%, exacerbating the issue of tax avoidance. Moreover, 13 brands are being sold both with and without TTS, hinting at serious lapses in regulatory supervision.
Similarly, studies on the evolving relationship between social media and traditional media consumption provided valuable insights into how Pakistanis engage with news and political discourse. The findings demonstrated that younger demographics increasingly lean on digital platforms for information, while older generations still gravitate toward television and print media.
The study further revealed that while 41% of Pakistanis rely on social media for news, an alarming 38% depend on traditional media, signaling the need for a balanced communication approach. Policies on misinformation, media regulation, and public interaction should be based on empirical findings, rather than outmoded assumptions regarding media consumption patterns.
IPOR's recent opinion poll on the one-year performance of the Chief Minister of Punjab assesses the efficiency of governance and service delivery across all four provinces. The survey delivers essential insights into public sentiment, demonstrating that trust increases when governance delivers tangible progress in critical areas such as education (73%) and health (68%). However, it also accentuates employment (63%) as a significant area of concern, emphasizing the urgent need for job creation policies. These findings underscore the importance of data-driven policymaking, enabling leaders to address genuine public concerns effectively, ensuring that resources are allocated successfully, and reforms are tailored to real needs.
From opinion to action
Public opinion polls should not be perceived as academic exercises or political gimmicks; instead, they should be an indispensable element of the policy-making process. Evidence-based decision-making props up more robust governance systems, boosts public satisfaction, and guarantees long-term stability. Policymakers at all levels should embrace a culture where decisions are backed by data, not dictated by anecdotal evidence or political considerations. To establish governance that truly represents and benefits the public, it must begin with listening to their voices – and there's no better way to do so than by relying on rigorous, scientific public opinion research.
In summary, as Pakistan grapples with complex socio-economic challenges, adopting an evidence-based approach to governance is not a luxury – it is a necessity. Public opinion polls offer a direct avenue for citizens to express their concerns and expectations. By integrating these insights into the policy process, governments can develop responsive, effective, and enduring policies that genuinely serve the public interest.
In essence, effective governance hinges on data and data means informed decisions. The future of policymaking lies in embracing the power of public opinion research and ensuring that every policy is buttressed by credible evidence. Now is the time to recognize that the best policies are born from the voices of the people they are intended to serve.
The article may not reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners
- Evidence from public opinion polls can aid government and institutions in aligning their policies more closely with public sentiment, thereby fostering greater accountability and effectiveness in the decision-making process.
- The findings of polls, such as those conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR), can pinpoint pressing societal issues, reveal policy shortcomings, and suggest strategic solutions that resonate with the public, enabling leaders to make informed decisions that address genuine public concerns.
