Surveying the Upper Echelons: An Update to Cycyota and Harrison (2006) on Top Manager Response Rates and Recommendations for the Future

Abstract

Nearly 2 decades ago, Cycyota and Harrison (2006) documented a concerning trend of declining executive survey response rates and projected a continued decrease in the future. Their seminal work has significantly influenced the methodologies of upper echelons survey research. Our study examines the manner in which Cycyota and Harrison’s paper has impacted the existing upper echelons literature and replicates their study by analyzing peer-reviewed studies published post-2006. We reveal that executive response rates have largely stabilized since Cycyota and Harrison’s initial findings. Furthermore, we expand upon their research by identifying specific geographical contexts and contact methodologies associated with higher (and lower) response rates. Finally, we lend insight into the evolving landscape of executive survey research and offer practical implications for future methodological endeavors in the upper echelons.