Satisfaction survey
“George Orwell's '1984' frequently tops surveys of our greatest books.
And its subject matter is crucial, because what '1984' shows is that
language can be a dirty trick.”
—Graham Joyce

Rather than properly address their failings, management may distribute a slick "satisfaction" survey so it can claim that the majority of the residents are "very satisfied" or at least "satisfied" with the leadership and services provided by the board and the management.

A distraction
As a distraction, a survey is a beaut.

It may give the owners hope that the board is finally starting to listen to their concerns and conditions are going to improve.




Name and unit #
Although they say it is optional, the owners are encouraged to include their names, unit # and phone numbers so that the board can get back to the owners and ask for more information and to follow up with their suggestions.

The names and unit numbers also helps them identify their supporters and also it helps the board figure out who is against them.

Likely questions
Statements on the survey may include:

		Agree	Some what agree	Some what disagree	Disagree
1.	We are getting good services for the level of monthly fees that we pay.
2.	Keeping our condo fees low is important to me.
3.	I do not want any unnecessary special assessments.
4.	I can always see the manager if I have any issues or suggestions.
5.	Living in a harmonious community is important to me.
6.	The manager always listens when I tell him about my concerns.
7.	I feel comfortable talking with the manager and the board members.
8.	I don't want people to disturb my quiet enjoyment of the lobby, mail room and the elevators.
9.	I don't want people to knock on my door and bother me when I am home.
10.	The board should not allow soliciting on our property.
11.	The board works hard to find efficiencies and they keep our fees low.
12.	I do not want to be dragged into other peoples' quarrels.
13.	I never felt threatened or intimidated by the board or our manager.
14.	Rising property values is very important to me.

Survey's purpose
If a group of owners are trying to raise support to apply for a court-appointed administrator, the survey results may be introduced as evidence that the majority of owners are very happy with the present board.

It can also be used to identify a few areas of dissatisfaction that can be repaired quickly and cheaply to curry favour with the majority of owners.

A key concern may buried near the end of the survey. In the above example, question #13 is what the survey was really all about. The corporation's lawyer wanted to be able to show the court that the majority of owners did not feel that the president and manager were bullies.

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