As a few of you may now already be aware, ESOMAR today announced that its Council has revoked my status as one of the organization’s two elected U.S. representatives.
I have included the announcement that ESOMAR has been circulating, which outlines their reasons for my discharge.
I am of course deeply disappointed with their decision.
@TomHCAnderson
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Dear Member
The role of ESOMAR is to serve as a facilitator for knowledge exchange, networking and global discussion on topics that challenge and shape the future of the market research industry. In order to best reach our global membership, we have 78 country representatives who serve as “linchpins” - promoting ESOMAR’s organisational mission and objectives to their local market research industry communities. Thus the role of a Representative is key to promoting the principles and standards that ESOMAR, as an organisation, upholds.
As you may be aware, there have recently been some rather heated discussions in the Next Generation Market Research (NGMR) group on LinkedIn concerning the proposed adoption of ISO standards in the US. ESOMAR USA Representative Tom Anderson, who runs this group, has been quite vocal in his criticisms of, and his strong views against, the adoption of ISO standards and the role of CASRO in relation to this.
ESOMAR has monitored the situation closely and after reviewing feedback in the group, contacted Tom to express our concerns that the stated objective of his role as a Representative, i.e. the promotion of International Standards supported by ESOMAR and support of local associations, was seemingly in conflict with his arguments in the NGMR group. Our communication highlighted our support for Tom’s individual opinion and free speech, but requested that he, as a Representative, respect long-standing relationships and commonly shared objectives.
After these discussions, the ESOMAR Council felt that Tom’s continued stance on this issue was not compatible with his role and obligations as an ESOMAR representative and as such has asked him to step down from his role as Representative. This will ensure that 1) he can be free to express his views as he chooses without the restriction of ESOMAR’s objectives and 2) his continued point of view is not confused with ESOMAR’s official position and mission.
In order to ensure a continuity of service for our US Members, the ESOMAR Council evaluated and discussed the options for a suitable replacement. Council has approached the recent US electoral candidate, Susan Casserly Griffin, of Brainjuicer, and she has agreed to step into the role until the end of the term, ending December 2011.
We would like to thank Tom for his contributions to ESOMAR and to his commitment to the industry. We hope that he will continue to contribute to constructive debate on issues of importance that will undoubtedly drive our industry forward.
Kind Regards
Helen Parker
Representatives Executive
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10 responses so far ↓
1 James Roger // Jul 12, 2010 at 8:31 pm
This is interesting. How come it’s possible that Esomar can simply “kick out” an elected member without consultation with members?
I find this ridiculus that if a member does not share the same view as Esomar, they will be removed. I wonder if the Esomar management is some sort of a communist regime.
2 Joe Hendricks // Jul 13, 2010 at 12:55 pm
We were considering ESOMAR membership until this. Most disappointing, particularly since the membership were not allowed to vote on the decision.
Differences of opinion are healthy on any council.
On the positive side, it does say something about the strength of the NGMR LinkedIn community, to have such an effect!
3 Kevin // Jul 13, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Tom, I think your tongue in cheek style might have ventured over the top on this post.
Still, I found as the discussion went on, you became more even handed and I would say even gracious to opposing points of view.
Organizations like ESOMAR are not used to being the fodder for social media sites. Whether or not they agreed with your POV or how it was positioned, it was poor judgment to play their trump card and remove you from your elected office for being too opinionated.
Whether or not you feel strongly about ISO Standards or CASRO’s stance on this matter, you should be able to able to freely speak on this or any other research matter without fear of organization censorship.
4 Frank Leinweber // Jul 14, 2010 at 8:14 am
I know that this is disapointing for you given the interest and effort you have extended on ESOMAR’s behalf.
This just isn’t fair or right and I don’t agree with their decision or how they went about it.
Was LeBron James their consultant on how to handle the situation?
5 Duncan Stuart // Jul 14, 2010 at 5:42 pm
I thought ISO revealed certain 1980s sensibility on the part of ESOMAR - but I had it all wrong. The sensibility is more 1950s - professional McCarthyism.
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8 Mike Gadd // Aug 6, 2010 at 10:28 am
Tom, at a certain point I thought you were losing it. However, you have raised the whole discussion on international marketing research standards at a critical time. Consumers are changing. marketing is changing and marketing research has to change to meet the standards expected by clients and to improve engagement with consumers. We may see improved professional standards that will encompass both traditional and innovative research sooner than any of us could have thought. Thanks so much for your many contributions.
9 Tom H C Anderson // Aug 6, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Thank you Mike!
Keep the faith, I am. Time and the market will tell who is right.
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