Hyvinvointialueiden sosiaalipalvelujen johtajia paikantamassa

Reliable information is fundamental to all research activities and to the development and management of wellbeing services counties. While reliable and generalisable knowledge is produced by research organisations, social and health care managers often act as research partners, decision-makers on research permits, and users of this knowledge. Therefore, in addition to researchers, managers have an important role in producing reliable data and assessing its reliability. When research focuses on managers, it is essential to correctly identify those within the target population. This article uses a case study to examine the factors related to the reliability of census-based survey data from the perspective of the respondents’ participation process. The case focuses on the survey conducted in spring 2024 in all wellbeing services counties in mainland Finland. A total of 358 social services managers responded to the survey (response rate 36.9%). The reliability of the survey data is examined from the researchers’ perspective, focusing on the research permit process, identification of the population and construction of the respondent frame, response rate development and measures to increase participation, as well as an analysis of non-response bias. The article highlights five methodological aspects that were central to ensuring the reliability of the survey data: 1) variations in the research permit processes across the wellbeing services counties, 2) collaboration with internal contact persons within the surveyed organisations, 3) accuracy in constructing the survey frame to match with the specific data collection moment, 4) clarification and clear communication about the survey’s purpose to improve response rates, and 5) the multi-stage implementation of non-response bias analysis. These findings can be used to inform the design of both census-based and sample-based surveys, to strengthen the conditions for collaboration between research organisations and wellbeing services counties, and to enhance the national research infrastructure. This will promote a more efficient research process, enhance the reliability of data, and support the use of information in development and management processes within wellbeing services counties.