Services required by different user groups

Abstract

Statistical services should offer a broad spectrum of products in order to meet the requirements of different user groups. This can only be achieved if demands for statistical information are well known and, on the other hand, if statistical prodcuts are well accepted as useful information tools. Results of a survey in the Federal Republic of Germany show that the general acceptance of official statistics is closely connected to the users' assessment of the services provided by the statistical offices. The study showed that there is great general acceptance of official statistics, particularly by those respondents who have experienced statistics to be relevant to their own informational needs. While the results of the study have served to develop a more target-group oriented approach in presenting official statistics to the public and to market the broad spectrum of statistical products accordingly, there remains a need for continuous press and public-relations work to enhance communication between the statistical service and its clients.