In this study, we surveyed the total administrative and academic staff of
Ghent University, which is one of the largest universities in Belgium
(26,000 students) and one of the largest employers in the city of Ghent
and the surrounding region. Concentrating the survey on a central spot
where people gather from a large area allowed us to obtain a diversified
sample in a cost-efficient way and to better monitor the data collection
process. More importantly, it allowed us to quantitatively and qualitatively
improve the responsemotivation by appealing to collegiality and by conducting
the survey (for its major part) using the university’s intranet in a more
respondent-friendly way (e.g., without bothering people when they are at
home or busy, etc.). Several positive implications of the use of the Internet
are reported (Orme and King 1998). The use of the Internet significantly
reduces the costs of the survey, respondents can be reached more quickly,
and the response rate is higher. Finally, to further encourage participation
to the survey, 25 book vouchers were divided among the respondents.