Survey

This survey has been prepared by the CfA Gender Equity Committee (CGEC) to assess status of gender equity in the entire CfA commmunity, and to better understand issues related to quality of work life and climate at the CfA.

We urge you to participate in this survey. To preserve the respondent's anonymity, the results will only be published in aggregate form or as anonymous quotes. It is important to stress that respondents may choose not to answer all the questions in the survey to protect their identity.

We estimate that filling in this survey will take 30-45 minutes of your time. On many web browsers, you will need to complete the survey in one session. You can read it over, print it out, and login later to fill it out. If you are using Netscape 7/Mozilla 1.4 on Unix or IE6 on a PC, (with javascript enabled) you should be able to fill out part of the survey, submit your answers, and login again as often as needed to complete it. On those browsers, your answers will be saved and will reappear when you login again.

Note: Text fields are of limited length, please take heed of the instructions on length.

This work was based on a survey prepared by the Women in Science and Engineering Leadership Institute (WISELI), a research center at the University of Wisconsin, Madison to study the problem of the lack of diversity in the sciences and engineering. WISELI is a program funded by a 5 year Institutional Tranformation Award from the National Science Foundation ADVANCE program.

The CGEC thanks Michael Chesleigh and Julie Shaw of the CfA Computer Facility for developing the web-based implementation of this survey.


0. Which Division/Department do you choose as your primary affiliation for the purpose of completing this survey?


The Hiring Process

We are interested in identifying what makes the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) attractive to job applicants, and the aspects of the hiring process that may be experienced positively or negatively. Please think back to when you first were hired into a salaried (non-student) position to answer the following questions.

1. Which of the following job categories best describes your first CfA position?

2. Are you employed by?

3. In what year were you first hired ? (e.g. 1998)

4. Were you recruited to apply for a position?

5. Did you receive a recruitment bonus, relocation allowance or other ‘startup’ package?

6. Please rate your level of agreement with these statements about the hiring process. If you were initially hired into more than one Division or Department, please answer for the group that you consider to be your primary Division or Department.

Select NA if the statement does not apply to you. Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly NA
a. I was satisfied with the hiring process overall
b. I received advice on the hiring/negotiation process from a colleague/mentor within the CfA
c. I received advice on the hiring/negotiation process from a colleague/mentor outside of the CfA
d. I negotiated successfully for what I wanted

7. What were the factors that positively influenced your decision to accept a position at the Center for Astrophysics?

Select NA if the statement does not apply to you. Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly NA
a. Positive reputation of Smithsonian/SAO
b. Positive reputation of Harvard/HCO
c. Positive reputation of division/department/research Group
d. Geographic location
e. Job or job opportunities for spouse/partner
f. Research opportunities
g. Support for research
h. Career opportunities
i. Training/Growth opportunities
j. Quality of public schools
k. Other community resources and organizations
l. Salary and benefits
m. Colleagues in Division/Department
n. The nature of the work performed at the CfA
o. Teaching opportunities
p. Quality of students
q. Climate for women
r. Climate for persons of color
s. Other (please explain below limit to 6 lines)

8. What factors, if any, made you hesitate about accepting a position at The Center for Astrophysics (limit to 3 lines)?


The Promotion Process

9. Have you been promoted while at CfA?
If Yes, how many times
and when where you promoted to your current position/grade? (e.g. 1998)

10a. (SAO) What was your initial position/grade? /
What is your current position/grade? /

10b. (Harvard) What was your initial position?
What is your current position?

11. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements regarding your experience with the promotion process.

Select NA if the statement does not apply to you. Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly NA
a. I am/was satisfied with the promotional process overall.
b. I understand/understood the criteria for achieving promotion.
c. I received feedback on my progress toward promotion.
d. I feel/felt supported in my advancement to promotion.
e. I received opportunities to build my research program (or to expand my responsibilities) to enhance my promotion potential.
f. Funding/opportunities for additional education/training were made available to me to support my advancement
g. Mentoring was explicitly made available to me


Compensation

12. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements regarding your current compensation.

Select NA if the statement does not apply to you. Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Don't Know NA
a. I am satisfied with my overall compensation package
b. I feel that I receive a fair salary for the work that I do.
c. I feel that my salary is equitable when compared to that of others at the CfA who perform similar work.
d. I feel that my overall compensation is equitable when compared to my peers at other institutions similar to the CfA
e. I feel that my overall compensation is equitable when compared to the industry standard for my position
f. I have been given the opportunity to take a sabbatical or equivalent
g. I would like to have the opportunity to take a sabbatical or equivalent
h. I understand the selection criteria for Performance awards
i. I have taken a sabbatical or equivalent
j. I have received a performance (cash) award in the last 5 years How many?
k. I have received a retention allowance


Professional Activities

We are interested in a number of dimensions of the work environment at the Center for Astrophysics, including your feelings about your work allocation, resources you have for research, service responsibilities, and your interaction with colleagues.

13. What proportion of your work time do you currently spend on the following activities, and what proportion of your work time would you prefer to spend on these activities? (The total should equal 100% even if your appointment is not 100% time.)

% of time currently spend % of time would prefer to spend
a. Scientific research % %
b. Other Research/development % %
c. Hardware/Software Engineering % %
d. Technical Support % %
e. Administration % %
f. Educational/Outreach % %
g. Management % %
h. Service/Committee Work % %
i. Teaching % %
j. Advising students % %
k. Mentoring % %
l. Other (limit to 6 lines)
% %
TOTAL % %

14. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the resources available to you?

Select NA if the statement does not apply to you. Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly NA
a. I have the equipment and supplies I need to conduct my work
b. I receive regular maintenance/upgrades of my equipment.
c. I have sufficient access to travel funds for conferences/technical symposia etc.
d. I have sufficient office space.
e. I have sufficient laboratory/equipment space.
f. I receive enough internal funding to conduct my research
g. I am encouraged in my efforts to obtain external funding for research/development projects.
h. I receive sufficient support/funding for proposal preparation
i. I receive the amount of computer support I need.
j. I have enough administrative support.
k. I have colleagues who do similar work.
l. I have colleagues or peers who give me career advice or guidance when I need it.
m. I have sufficient teaching support (including T.A.s).
n. I have sufficient laboratory/technical support.

15. Do you currently collaborate, or have you collaborated in the past, on research/development/education projects with colleagues? (if No, go to Question 16)

Currently collaborate? Collaborated in the past 5 years ?
a. In your Division/Department?
b. Outside your Division/Department, but within the CfA?
c. Outside of the CfA?

16. Please describe your involvement with Observatory committees:

Committee Have you ever been invited to serve but declined? Have you ever served on this committee? Have you ever chaired this committee?
a. Space
b. Prizes/Awards
c. Promotion
d. Search/Appointments
e. Curriculum (graduate and/or undergraduate)
f. Fellowships
g. Equity/Diversity
h. Resource allocation
i. Other, please list: (limit to 6 lines)

17. Please indicate whether you currently hold, or have held, any of the following positions at the CfA

Currently hold Held in the past Was invited to serve but declined Served but without formal recognition
a. Division AD/Department Chair or Director of a Center/Institute
b. Department/Division manager/administrator
c. Project scientist or program manager or group leader
d. Supervisor
e. Principal Investigator on a research contract/grant
f. Principal Investigator on an educational/outreach contract/grant
g. Other, please explain (limit to 6 lines):

17h. If you currently supervise others, how many?

18. Have you held any of the following leadership positions outside of the Center for Astrophysics?

a. President or high-level leadership position in a professional association or organization
b. President or high-level leadership position in a service organization (including community service)
c. Chair of a major committee in a professional organization or association
d. Editor or on editorial board of a journal
e. Member of a national commission/panel
f. Member of a national review committee

19. Do you have an interest in taking on any additional formal leadership position(s) at the Center for Astrophysics (If No, go to question 21)

a. Division AD/Department Chair or Director of a Center/Institute
b. Department/ Division manager
c. Project scientist / program manager / technical team leader
d. Supervisor
e. Principal Investigator on a research grant
f. Principal Investigator on an educational/outreach grant
g. Other, please explain (limit to 6 lines):

20a. Do you feel that you have the opportunity to take on a formal leadership position at The Center for Astrophysics? (If Yes, Go to question 21)

20b. What is the most important barrier to these opportunities for you? (If other, explain below limit to 3 lines)

21. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements about your interactions with colleagues and others in your primary Division/Department?

Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly NA
a. I am treated with respect by colleagues.
b. I am treated with respect by students.
c. I am treated with respect by scientific staff.
d. I am treated with respect by other staff.
e. I am treated with respect by my Division/Department head.
f. I am treated with respect by my supervisor
g. I feel excluded from an informal network in my Division/Department.
h. I encounter unwritten rules concerning how one is expected to interact with colleagues.
i. Colleagues in my Division/Department solicit my opinion about work-related matters.
j. In my Division/Department, I feel that my research is considered mainstream.
k. I feel that my colleagues value my research.
l. I do a great deal of work that is not formally recognized by my Division/Department.
m. I feel like I fit in my Division/Department.
n. I feel isolated in my Division/Department.
o. I feel isolated at the CfA overall.

22. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements about your participation in the decision-making process in your Division/Department/unit?

Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly NA
a. I feel like a full and equal participant in the problem-solving and decision-making in general.
b. I have a voice in how resources are allocated.
c. Meetings allow for all participants to share their views.
d. Committee assignments are rotated fairly to allow for the participation of all Division/Department members
e. My Division/Department head involves me in decision-making.


Satisfaction with the Center for Astrophysics

We would like to know how you feel about the Center for Astrophysics in general.

23. How satisfied are you, in general, with your job at the Center for Astrophysics?

Very Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

24a. How satisfied are you, in general, with the way that your career has progressed at the Center for Astrophysics?

Very Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

24b. If not satisfied, Have you expressed your concerns to your supervisors?
What are your sources of concern (limit to 3 lines)?

24c. What three changes would most help to improve the CfA (limit to 3 lines for each)?
1.
2.
3.

24d. What change would most help to improve the hiring process (limit to 3 lines)?

24e. What advice would you have for someone starting work at the CfA (limit to 3 lines)?

25. What single factor contributes most to your satisfaction at the Center for Astrophysics (limit to 3 lines)?

26. What single factor detracts most from your satisfaction at the Center for Astrophysics (limit to 3 lines)?

27. Have you ever considered leaving the Center for Astrophysics? If No, Go to question 30

28. How seriously have you considered leaving the Center for Astrophysics?

Very seriously Quite Seriously Somewhat seriously Not very seriously

29. What factor contributed most to your consideration to leave the CfA?
(If other, explain below limit to 3 lines)


The Center for Astrophysics Programs and Resources

Both Harvard and SAO have implemented a number of programs designed to improve the working environment. In the questions below, please help us to evaluate some of these initiatives.

30. For each program available to you, please rate your perception of the value of the program and indicate whether you have used the program.

How valuable is each program? (whether or not you have used it). Have you ever used this program?
Never Heard of Program Very Valuable Quite Valuable Somewhat Valuable Not at all Valuable Yes, No, NA, Don't Know
a. SAO Ombuds
b. SI Ombuds
c. HU Ombuds
d. SI Employee Assistance Program
e. HU Employee Assistance Program
f. Family Leave
g. SAO EEO Counselors
h. Sexual Harassment Information Sessions
i. Mortgage Assistance (Harvard only)


Perceived Gender Biases

31.

Select NA if the statement does not apply to you. Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Don't Know
a. In regard to work assignments, I have observed that staff are treated without regard to gender (Division/Department)
b. In regard to work assignments, I have observed that staff are treated without regard to gender (CFA)
c. In regard to performance evaluation, I have observed that staff are treated without regard to gender (Division/Department)
d. In regard to performance evaluation, I have observed that staff are treated without regard to gender (CFA)
e. In regard to career advancement, I have observed that staff are treated without regard to gender (Division/Department)
f. In regard to career advancement, I have observed that staff are treated without regard to gender (CFA)


Balancing Personal and Professional Life

We would like to know to what extent staff at the Center for Astrophysics are able to balance their professional and personal lives.

32. Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements about balancing your personal and professional lives.

Select NA if the statement does not apply to you. Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly NA
a. I am usually satisfied with the way in which I balance my professional and personal life.
b. I have seriously considered leaving the Center for Astrophysics in order to achieve better balance between work and personal life.
c. I often have to forgo professional activities (e.g., travel, field work, conferences) because of personal responsibilities.
d. I often have to forgo personal activities (e.g., family activities) because of work responsibilities.
e. Personal responsibilities and commitments have slowed down my career progression.

33. Have you cared for, or do you currently care for, dependent children? (If No, go to Question 37)

34. We are interested in how the timing of raising children affects career trajectories. For each child that has been dependent on you in the past or at the present time, please list the year that child was born, the year that child entered your home (if different), and year the child first moved out of your home (e.g., to attend college).

Year of Birth (e.g. 1970) Year Child Entered Home Year child moved away
Child 1
Child 2
Child 3
Child 4
Child 5

34b. What kind of impact has having a child/children had on your career?

Very Positive Somewhat Positive Somewhat Negative Very Negative

35. Do you currently use (have used), or need (have needed), any child care services to care for a dependent child? (If No, go to Question 37)

36. How satisfied are/were you with your child care arrangements?

Very Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

37. Have you provided care for a family* member (non-child) or do you anticipate doing so? (if No, go to Question 39)

For the purposes of these questions, "family" refers to any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.

38. We are interested in how the care of family members affects career trajectories. How much time on average do you, or did you, spend caring for an aging parent or relative per week?

39. What mechanisms could the CfA consider to help you in your child/family care? Please Give 1-4 rating (1=most important)

a. Tele-Commuting
b. Alternate/Compressed work scheduale
c. Flexible Benefit Plan
d. Support Groups
e. Subsidies for child/aging care
f. Write below other suggestions (limit to 6 lines)


Spouse/Partner's Career

40 What is your current marital or cohabitation status? (If single, Go to question 44)

41. What is your spouse or partner's current employment status? What is your partner's preferred employment status?

a. Spouse/partner's current employment status
b. Spouse/partner's preferred employment status
c. Spouse/partner's employment position

42. Does your partner or spouse work at the Center for Astrophysics?

43. Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements about your spouse or partner's career.

Select NA if the statement does not apply to you. Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly NA
a. My spouse/partner is satisfied with his/her current employment opportunities.
b. I have seriously considered leaving the Center for Astrophysics in order to enhance my spouse/partner's career opportunities.
c. My partner/spouse and I are staying at the CfA because of my job.
d. My spouse/partner and I have seriously considered leaving the Center for Astrophysics to enhance both our career opportunities.

44. Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding your Division/Department's support of family obligations.

Select NA if the statement does not apply to you. Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Don't Know NA
a. My Division/Department is supportive of those who want to balance their family and career lives
b. It is difficult for members of my Division/Department to adjust their work schedules to care for children or other family members
c. Division/Department meetings frequently occur early in the morning or late in the day
d. My Division/Department is supportive of family leave
e. Those who have children are considered to be less committed to their careers by my division/department members
f. Those who do not have partners and / or children are expected to assume additional work responsibilities by my division/department members
g. The CfA is supportive of those who want to balance their family and career lives
h. It is difficult for members of the CfA to adjust their work schedules to care for children or other family members.
i. Non Division/Department CfA meetings frequently occur early in the morning or late in the day
j. The CfA is supportive of family leave.
k. Those who have children are considered to be less committed to their careers by other division/department members
l. Those who do not have partners and / or children are expected to assume additional work responsibilities by other division/department members

A person's health has been shown to be related to their work environment. Please answer the following questions about your health.

45. How would you rate your overall health at the present time?

46. How often do you feel:

Very often Quite often Sometimes Once in a while Rarely
a. Happy
b. Fatigued
c. Stressed
d. Nervous
e. Depressed
f. Short-tempered
g. Well-rested
h. Physically fit

47. Do you have (or had in the past) a significant health issue or disability? (If No, go to Question 49)

48. In dealing with this health issue or disability, how accommodating within existing rules is (was):

Very Quite Somewhat Not at all
a. Your primary Division/Department?
b. The Center for Astrophysics?

49. Do you feel you are provided with a safe working environment? (If No, explain below limit to 3 lines)


Gender Issues at the Center for Astrophysics

50. With respect to the recruitment of, climate for, and leadership opportunities for women at the CfA, how much would you agree or disagree with the following statements about your primary Division/Department?

Agree Strongly Agree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Don't Know
a. There are too few women in my Division/Department.
b. My Division/Department has identified ways to recruit professional women.
c. My Division/Department has actively recruited women.
d. The climate for women in my Division/Department is good.
e. My Division/Department has identified ways to enhance the climate for women.
f. My Division/Department has taken steps to enhance the climate for women.
g. My Division/Department has too few women in leadership positions.
h. My Division/Department has identified ways to move women into leadership positions.
i. My Division/Department has made an effort to promote women into leadership positions.


Personal Demographics

As always, responses to the following questions will be kept confidential. Information from this survey will be presented in aggregate form so that individual respondents cannot be identified.

51. What is your gender?

51a. What is your ethnicity?

51b. What is your highest education level?

51c. Year earned highest degree: (e.g. 1977)

51d. Was the institution granting highest degree located in the US?