Gallup

Gallup. It is an American analytics and advisory firm best known for its public opinion polls conducted worldwide. Founded by George Gallup in 1935, the organization has become a globally recognized authority on measuring and understanding human attitudes and behaviors. Its work spans topics from political elections and economic confidence to employee engagement and well-being.

History of Gallup

The organization was established by George Gallup, a pioneer in the field of survey sampling who had previously worked in advertising and journalism. A seminal early success was its accurate prediction of the 1936 United States presidential election, contradicting the popular Literary Digest poll and establishing the credibility of scientific polling. Throughout the mid-20th century, it expanded its work, conducting influential surveys during World War II and the Cold War. Under later leadership, including that of Donald O. Clifton, the firm broadened its focus beyond political polling to include management consulting and psychological assessment, establishing its headquarters in Washington, D.C..

Gallup Methodology

The firm's approach is rooted in probability sampling, designed to create a representative cross-section of a target population, such as all American adults. For its flagship U.S. surveys, it typically conducts interviews via telephone with both landline and cell phone numbers, though it increasingly utilizes web-based surveys. A key methodological principle is the use of random-digit dialing to minimize selection bias. Questions are carefully crafted and tested to avoid leading questions, and results are often weighted by demographic variables like age, race, gender, and education to ensure accuracy relative to known census data.

Gallup Poll

The Gallup Poll is one of the most widely cited measures of public opinion in the United States and globally. It tracks presidential job approval ratings, a metric closely watched by politicians, journalists, and historians. The poll produces regular indexes such as the Gallup Economic Confidence Index and the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index. Internationally, its World Poll surveys residents in over 160 countries on issues like law and order, food and shelter, and institutions and infrastructure. Its election polling, particularly for the U.S. presidential election, is a major component of its public profile.

Organization and Management

Gallup operates as a private company with a structure encompassing its core polling division, a large consulting practice, and a publishing arm. Its consulting work, often based on the research of Donald O. Clifton, focuses on strengths-based development and employee engagement, serving major corporations and educational institutions. The firm is led by a Chief Executive Officer, with Jon Clifton serving in that role. Major operational centers are located in Washington, D.C. and Omaha, Nebraska.

Criticisms and Controversies

The organization has faced scrutiny, particularly for perceived polling inaccuracies. A notable instance was during the 2012 United States presidential election, where its data showed a different trend than other major pollsters like Reuters and The New York Times. It has also been criticized for its methodologies, such as its reliance on landline telephones in an era of declining use. Some academics and rival firms have questioned the wording of certain questions or the firm's commercial interests in its consulting divisions. Debates over its accuracy often intensify during close political contests like the 2016 United States presidential election.

Notable Gallup Research

Beyond election polling, the firm has produced influential long-term studies. The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index was a major initiative tracking American life evaluation and emotional health. Its research on the global workplace, published in reports like "State of the Global Workplace," analyzes employee engagement data from hundreds of organizations. The Gallup World Poll provides unique cross-national data on happiness and citizen satisfaction with government. Historically, its surveys have captured pivotal moments in American opinion, from the Vietnam War to the September 11 attacks. Category:Market research companies Category:Public opinion research companies