The Staff Opinion Survey (SOS) for 2007/08 was conducted by an independent contractor, the Hong Kong University's Public Opinion Programme (HKU POP), between December 27, last year and January 18, this year.

Of the 5,453 disciplined, civilian and auxiliary staff approached for the SOS 2007/08, 3,695 responded to survey questionnaires, representing a 68 per cent response rate. This is considered by HKU POP as more than satisfactory for surveys of this nature.

The SOS is a vital internal communication tool to gauge staff's concerns and levels of satisfaction. In accordance with the Force Survey Strategy, the SOS is conducted once every three years, the last survey being conducted in December 2004.

Similar to all previous exercises, the current survey has identified areas of strengths and weaknesses within the Force from the perspective of staff members. In most areas the findings are satisfactory and generally comparable to those of SOS 2004.

In the previous survey, four major areas of concern were identified, namely, internal communication, transfers, change management and morale. Action plans were subsequently formulated and implemented to tackle each of them.

In the current survey, internal communication and transfers have improved to such an extent that they are no longer considered major concerns. While significant improvements have also been noted in respect of change management and morale, in absolute terms they are still considered issues to be further addressed and, together with a new issue relating to promotion, are the three major areas of concern identified.

"Force management attaches great importance to the survey results and is drawing up an action plan with the aim of addressing the staff concerns identified in the survey, in particular areas regarding change management, morale and promotion," said Assistant Commissioner (Service Quality) Ma Wai-luk.