Why is the Economic Census Still Conducted Door-to-Door?

In this digital era, why is the Economic Census still conducted door-to-door? Given that the public is accustomed to filling out various forms online, this question frequently arises.

At first glance, it may seem more practical for all respondents to complete questionnaires independently. However, in a census, the most important aspect is not merely collecting answers, but ensuring that every question is understood with the same meaning by all respondents. This is where the role of interviewing becomes vital.

Consider a scenario where someone is asked if they own a business. Some might immediately answer ‘no’ because their business is merely a side job. Others might believe that a home-based business does not count as a commercial activity. There are also those who sell via digital platforms but do not consider themselves business actors because they lack a physical shop or permanent place of business. In reality, from an official statistical perspective, all these activities may constitute business activities that need to be recorded. Similar discrepancies can occur with other questions; terms such as ‘labour’, ‘business networks’, or ‘operational costs’ may be interpreted differently by each respondent.

If each person uses their own definition, the collected answers will no as longer represent a uniform reality. Consequently, the resulting information becomes difficult to compare and less accurate for describing the actual economic conditions.

Therefore, for the majority of respondents, Economic Census data collection is conducted through face-to-face interviews. Census officers do not only ask questions but also assist in explaining the concepts and definitions used when necessary. In this way, every respondent shares a common understanding of the questions asked, ensuring that the answers provided can be compared consistently.

This approach is commonly used in various official censuses and surveys in many countries. The goal is simple: to maintain the quality of the information collected so that it truly reflects the situation on the ground.

Nevertheless, not all respondents share the same characteristics. For large business groups that possess more complete administrative and recording systems, BPS provides the option to complete questionnaires online independently. This approach offers flexibility for respondents while facilitating the provision of the required information.

Although the collection methods differ, the standards remain the same. Whether through face-to-face interviews or independent questionnaire completion, all information is collected using the same concepts, definitions, classifications, and statistical standards. Thus, the results obtained remain comparable and can be processed within a single, integrated statistical system.