JSU Spring 2015 Report

NATIONAL POLL REPORT
THE POLLING CENTER
THE INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT
JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY
Spring
April 2015
Institute of Government Polling Center

Statement of Confidentiality and Ownership
All of the analyses, findings and recommendations contained within this report are the
exclusive property of the Institute of Government at Jackson State University.
As required by the Code of Ethics of the National Council on Public Polls and the United
States Privacy Act of 1974, The Institute of Government Polling Center maintains the
anonymity of respondents to surveys the Center conducts. No information will be released
that might, in any way, reveal the identity of the respondent.
Moreover, no information regarding these findings will be released without the written
consent of an authorized representative of Institute of Government.
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
SECTION
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. Page 4
2
SECTION
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. Page 5
3
SECTION
Highlights ................................................................................................................................... Page 7
4
SECTION
Summary of Findings ........................................................................................................... Page 13
The Nation’s Direction ....................................... 13
The Illusion of Privacy ........................................ 23
Women in Public Sector Leadership ................ 28
Demographics ...................................................... 34
5
SECTION
Appendix ................................................................................................................................. Page 36
Survey Instrument
Composite Aggregate Data
Cross Tabulations of Data
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 3

1
INTRODUCTION
The Polling Center at the Institute of Government is pleased to present the results of a national
poll of Americans.
The poll was designed to assess public views regarding the nation’s direction and the most
important factors when perceiving a positive or negative direction. Additionally, the poll
included questions about online privacy and women in public sector leadership.
The research study included survey responses from 904 respondents nationally approximately
proportional to state population contribution. The poll was conducted April 3 – 9, 2015.
The national poll included the following areas for investigation:
‣ Perceptions of personal quality of life and standard of living;
‣ Important factors when determining the nation is moving in the right or wrong
direction;
‣ Whether to credit / blame the conservative, moderate or liberal philosophies for
direction;
‣ Perceptions of security of personal data online;
‣ Belief in “secure networks”;
‣ Views on internet security issues;
‣ Measuring support for requiring government personnel to use government issued
email addresses;
‣ Impressions of the women holding elected or appointed leadership positions;
‣ Views on the number of women in public sector leadership;
‣ Where respondents see “too few” women in public sector leadership roles;
‣ Views on reasons why women don’t advance in the public sector or win some
elections;
‣ Ratings of women and men on leadership attributes and characteristics;
‣ Perceptions of women receiving equal pay for equal work; and
‣ Demographics.
Section II of this report discusses the Methodology used in the study, while Section III
includes Highlights derived from an analysis of the quantitative research. Section IV is a
Summary of Findings from the online survey.
Section V is an Appendix to the report containing the composite aggregate data, cross
tabululations and the survey instrument employed.
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 4

2
METHODOLOGY
Using a quantitative research design, the Center completed 904 online surveys nationally.
Survey design input was provided by the membership of the Polling Center’s Oversight
Committee – a subcommittee of the Institute of Government at Jackson State University.
Survey design is a careful, deliberative process to ensure fair, objective and balanced surveys.
Staff members, with years of survey design experience, edit out any bias. Further, all scales
used by the Center (either numeric, such as one through ten, or wording such as strongly agree,
somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly agree) are balanced evenly. Additionally,
placement of questions is carefully accomplished so that order has minimal impact.
This survey was conducted April 3 – 9, 2015.
Respondents qualified for the survey if they were a resident of the United States and 18 years
of age or older. Responses were approximately proportional to each state’s population.
All facets of the study were completed by the Polling Center’s senior staff and researchers.
These aspects include: survey design, pre-test, computer programming, fielding, coding,
editing, verification, validation and logic checks, computer analysis, analysis, and report
writing.
Statistically, a sample of 904 completed surveys has an associated margin for error of
+/- 3.5% at a 95% confidence level.
Results throughout this report are presented for composite results – all 904 cases. Many tables
and graphs will hold results among respondents from the South (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia,
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia).
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 5

Readers of this report should note that any survey is analogous to a snapshot in time and
results are only reflective of the time period in which the survey was undertaken. Should
concerted public relations or information campaigns be undertaken during or shortly after the
fielding of the survey, the results contained herein may be expected to change and should be,
therefore, carefully interpreted and extrapolated.
Furthermore, it is important to note that all surveys contain some component of “sampling
error”. Error that is attributable to systematic bias has been significantly reduced by utilizing
strict random probability procedures. This sample was strictly random in that selection of
each potential respondent was an independent event based on known probabilities.
Each qualified online panel member within the United States had an equal chance for
participating in the study. Statistical random error, however, can never be eliminated but may
be significantly reduced by increasing sample size.
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 6

3
HIGHLIGHTS
ON THE NATION’S DIRECTION…
‣ A large majority of Americans, 88.2%, indicated their quality of life was very
good or good. Some, 10.9%, suggested their quality of life was poor or very
poor. The percent suggesting very good or good was lower among those
earning $40,000 or less annually 74.3%.
‣ A similarly large percentage, 82.6%, suggested their standard of living today
was “improved” or “unchanged but good”. Another 15.3% suggested their
own standard of living was “unchanged and poor” or has “declined”. The
percent of those earning less than $40,000 annually suggesting their standard
of living was improved or good was 68.6% compared to those earning $100,000
or more annually at 97.3%.
‣ On the nation’s direction, 57.9% indicated the nation is moving in the wrong
direction or there’s no movement and things are not so good. Nearly twofifths,
37.8%, indicated the nation is moving in the right direction or there’s
no movement but things are currently good.
‣ The research was designed to discover the reasons Americans conclude the
nation is moving in the right direction. In declining order, these leading
reasons or factors included: unemployment levels are declining, the price of
gas is lower, the economy is improving, interest rates are low, the respondent
owns their own home, quality of life is good and the stock market is up.
‣ Similarly, the top reasons cited by respondents who believe the nation in
moving in the wrong direction included, in declining order: unemployment
levels are still high, terrorism is on the rise, tax rates are too high, rights as
Americans are under pressure, levels of crime, a stagnant economy and no
privacy.
‣ When the nation is moving in the right direction, most Americans surveyed
credit a moderate or conservative political philosophy or approach – 33.5%
and 31.2% respectively. Others suggested they credit a liberal philosophy or
were unsure – 13.4% and 21.9% respectively.
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 7

‣ When the nation is moving in the wrong direction, most Americans (35.8%)
surveyed blamed a liberal political philosophy compared to 28.8% and 10.8%
blaming a conservative or moderate philosophy respectively.
‣ When considering their own political philosophy, 40.7% suggested they were
very or somewhat conservative followed by those (33.0%) who considered
themselves to be moderate. Another one-fifth, 21.6%, indicated they were very
or somewhat liberal.
‣ While 74.9% of all respondents agreed that the Federal Government “has the
ability to positively impact the direction of the nation”, 71.1% also agreed that
the Federal Government is currently “too big to manage effectively”.
‣ Nearly two-thirds of all Americans surveyed, 62.2%, agreed that the private
sector and American businesses are better equipped to improve the direction
of this nation than the Federal Government.
‣ Nearly one-half of all respondents, 49.0%, suggested the Federal Government
remains the best safety net for those in need.
ON THE ILLUSION OF PRIVACY…
‣ Poll questions were designed to collect current perceptions among Americans
about the security of online data and personal privacy. Online survey
respondents reported accessing the internet in a variety of ways. These
included, in declining order, laptops (73.0%), computers (68.8%),
smartphones (62.8%), pads/tablets (49.1%), televisions (24.8%) and watches
(1.4%).
‣ A large percentage of Americans surveyed, 30.9%, suggested they believed
their personal data and information when using the internet was “not very” or
“not at all secure”. However, 65.4%, indicated they believed their data was
“very or somewhat secure”.
‣ One-quarter, 23.2%, of all respondents suggested they don’t believe “Sign in
Using our Secure Network” when they see this posted or claimed at the
websites of their banks or favorite stores and vendors. Others, 70.9%, find
such a claim very (12.3%) or somewhat believable (58.6%).
‣ More Americans surveyed believed their internet browsing and browsing
history was somewhat public or public at 52.8% than those who believe their
browsing was very or somewhat private at 41.4%.
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 8

‣ A large percentage of those surveyed, 82.4%, have installed virus protection
software on the majority of the devices used when connecting to the internet.
‣ Interestingly, 77.9% of those surveyed agreed that there is no such thing as
“delete” when it comes to the internet.
‣ Americans polled agreed with a number of additional statements….
o Would support more government oversight if it meant more online privacy
– 40.2%
o Have posted personal information including contact and employment
details – 40.1%
o Know someone who missed a job opportunity or promotion because of
online posts – 28.3%
o Subscribe to an Identity Theft Protection Service – 24.6%
o Have been a victim of online theft of personal photos, data or information
– 24.6%
o Been surprised to see own personal photos online – 20.8%
o Made mistakes by posting vacation plans or whereabouts online – 20.2%
‣ A large majority of Americans surveyed, 86.7%, strongly or somewhat agreed
that government employees, for security and accountability reasons, should
be required to use government issued emails addresses housed on
government servers.
‣ While a large majority, 81.7% of those surveyed had heard of the recent
hacking of Sony Picture Studio servers in which confidential employee emails
were released publically, 32.7% took no action to secure or remove their own
personal online data as a result of such events. Another 44.0% reported taking
moderate action to secure and remove personal data and 12.8% made “every
effort” to remove personal online information.
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 9

ON WOMEN IN PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERSHIP…
‣ Women holding leadership roles in the public sector – either elected or
appointed – are viewed favorably by 84.3% of all poll respondents. Just 11.1%
held somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable impressions of public sector
female leaders.
‣ A large majority of Americans surveyed, 88.7%, see the number of women in
the public leadership roles as either flourishing or on a slow, steady increase.
Just 5.5% see a slow or significant decline in the numbers.
‣ When extrapolated on the total population, large percentages of Americans
surveyed see too few women…
o In elected positions from town councils, to State Houses, to U.S. Congress
– 43.6%
o As heads of local, state and federal agencies – 42.3%
o In economic development – 31.3%
o In banking – 24.1%
o Physicians in public health care facilities such as clinics, hospitals or VA
facilities – 19.9%
o As Governors and Lt. Governors – 12.8%
o In law enforcement – 11.7%
o As State’s Attorney Generals – 9.4%
o As Court Judges – 8.7%
o On State Supreme Courts – 8.7%
o In K-12 and higher education roles – 8.3%
‣ Respondents were asked to report the reasons they believed legitimate for
why some women don’t advance in the public sector or perhaps win elections.
Over one-half, 52.6%, see an unconscious bias against women as the leading
reason. The percent is higher among women than men – 54.9% to 50.3%
respectively. The top reasons cited are presented here…
o There is an unconscious bias against women – 52.6%
o Those in a position to promote see men as stronger leaders – 44.7%
o Family and home needs become barriers to advancing – 42.3%
o Women are perceived to be less likely to play hardball – 39.7%
o Many office cultures are exclusionary – 35.7%
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 10

‣ The average overall positive rating for female leaders was 66.8% on the
leadership characteristics such as skills, problem solving, encouraging
employees and being empathetic/compassionate. The positive rating for
female leaders was higher among females surveyed than males surveyed –
74.0% to 58.6% respectively.
‣ Interestingly, the average overall positive rating for male leaders on the same
four characteristics was significantly lower at 55.7%. The positive rating for
male leaders was higher among females than males surveyed – 58.2% to 53.3%
respectively.
‣ Ethnicity or race and gender appear to play an important role when a female
is blocked or not considered for leadership advancement in a public sector
role because of bias. Respondents were asked to indicate if the bias is mostly
related to her ethnicity/race or gender.
o Results indicate that when a white female is held back, it is significantly
more likely due to gender. When an African-American or Hispanic female
is held back, respondents suggest it is more likely due to both ethnicity
and gender.
o Results, based on national results are presented here.
WHEN A
FEMALE IS:
Her
Ethnicity
Her
Gender
Both
Gender and
Ethnicity
Doubt
this
would
occur
Unsure Neither
Black Female 14.4 7.9 51.4 8.7 9.4 8.1
Hispanic Female 15.0 10.9 48.0 8.0 10.2 7.9
White Female 4.5 46.9 13.3 16.0 9.7 9.6
Asian Female 8.8 19.2 39.3 11.1 12.9 8.7
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 11

‣ Less than one-third of all respondents, 30.2%, agreed that women in the U.S.
receive equal pay for equal work. Just 25.7% of women surveyed agreed while
34.6% of males agreed. Those agreeing (strongly or somewhat) with other
related statements include:
o Women are perceived to be more polite and view the act of negotiation
differently than men -- 70.6% agree
o Women are perceived to be less likely to negotiate for initial salaries –
64.9% agree
o Most employers see women as not needing pay that is equal to male
counterparts – 63.0% agree
o Jobs and title being equal, women are promoted as frequently as men –
32.4% agree
ON CROSS TABULATIONS…
Cross tabulations of data provide a view of the issues covered within the survey (core
questions) by the various demographics collected such as age, race, ethnicity,
education, rural/suburban/urban, gender, political philosophy and income. Readers
are encouraged to review the crosstab tables held within the appendix to this report.
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 12

4
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Readers are reminded that the narrative throughout this report refers to composite aggregate
data – the 904 completed surveys. Tables throughout present national results while many
graphs also present results among southern state respondents from Alabama, Arkansas,
Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
THE NATION’S DIRECTION
A large majority of Americans, 88.2%, reported their own quality of life as very good
(22.3%) or good (65.9%). A smaller percent, 10.9%, indicated their quality of life was poor
(9.8%) or very poor (1.1%). The following graph depicts the results collected.
Quality of Life Today?
88.2
90.2
10.9 8.4 0.9 1.5
VERY GOOD / GOOD POOR / VERY POOR UNSURE
USA
South
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 13

Respondents were asked if their own standard of living today was either improved, the same
but good, the same and poor or declined. Majorities, 82.6% see their own standard of living
as either improved (21.0%) or the same but good (61.6%). Further, 15.3% saw their
standard of living today as the same and poor (10.2%) or declined (5.1%). Results are
presented in the following graph.
Standard of Living Today?
61.6
59.8
21
24.5
10.2
7.8
5.1
4.4
2.1
3.4
IMPROVED
THE SAME BUT
GOOD
THE SAME AND
POOR
DECLINED
UNSURE
USA
South
Significantly more Americans reported the nation is moving in the wrong direction or it’s
stagnant and “not so good” (57.9%) than those reporting the nation is moving in the right
direction or it’s stagnant “but currently good” (37.8%). Results are presented here.
The Nation's Direction
35.8
40.7
21.9
19.4 17.6 18.3 17.2 18.1
4.6
6.4
MOVING IN THE
RIGHT DIRECTION
NO MOVEMENT BUT
CURRENTLY GOOD
NO MOVEMENT AND
NOT SO GOOD
MOVING IN THE
WRONG DIRECTION
UNSURE
USA
South
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 14

Researchers frequently ask Americans for their perception of the direction of the nation. In
this poll, respondents who suggested the nation was moving in either the “right direction” or
“things are currently good” were asked what contributed to that view. Results are presented
in the following table. The following is presented in declining order by national results.
Contributing Factors: Right Direction USA South
Unemployment levels are declining 59.4 57.7
The Price of gas is lower 58.2 60.6
The economy is improving 51.5 5047
Interest rates are low 40.3 38.0
You own your own home 37.4 38.0
Your own quality of life is good or very good 36.2 35.2
Stock market movement is up 35.9 36.6
Personal standard of living is the same or 32.6 29.6
improving
Your own job satisfaction is positive 26.5 29.6
Women’s rights such as equal pay are
25.3 28.2
improving
Your own religious faith is strong 24.4 26.8
Our current military is strong 23.2 23.9
Home ownership levels are up 19.4 22.5
Level of crime / feeling safe 18.8 21.1
We are confronting terrorism / feel safe at 17.9 12.7
home
We’re protecting our rights as Americans 17.1 16.9
Tax rate levels 15.3 16.9
Our environment is being protected 14.1 14.1
Wars are concluding 13.5 15.5
Racial tensions are lower / race relations 6.8 5.6
improving
Our privacy is secure 6.2 4.2
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 15

The following table presents results on a composite basis nationally along with results for
males, females, Hispanics, whites and African-Americans. As in the previous table, these
results show the contributing factors in determining the nation is moving in the right
direction or “things are currently good”.
Contributing Factors:
Right Direction
USA Male Female Hispanic White African
American
Unemployment levels are 59.4 62.3 56.6 50.6 66.0 63.5
declining
The Price of gas is lower 58.2 58.7 57.8 48.2 68.0 56.8
The economy is improving 51.5 55.7 47.4 44.6 56.9 50.0
Interest rates are low 40.3 44.3 36.4 37.3 50.3 31.1
You own your own home 37.4 40.7 34.1 32.5 48.4 27.0
Your own quality of life is 36.2 38.9 33.5 28.9 43.8 32.4
good or very good
Stock market movement is 35.9 42.5 29.5 25.3 44.4 32.4
up
Personal standard of living 32.6 35.9 29.5 26.5 39.2 31.1
is the same or improving
Your own job satisfaction 26.5 31.1 22.0 30.1 24.8 25.7
is positive
Women’s rights such as 25.3 22.2 28.3 25.3 23.5 29.7
equal pay are improving
Your own religious faith is 24.4 23.4 25.4 19.3 23.5 36.5
strong
Our current military is 23.2 25.1 21.4 21.7 21.6 28.4
strong
Home ownership levels are 19.4 20.4 18.5 18.1 17.0 25.7
up
Level of crime / feeling 18.8 20.4 17.3 14.5 17.6 21.6
safe
We are confronting 17.9 25.1 11.0 18.1 19.6 17.6
terrorism / feel safe at
home
We’re protecting our rights 17.1 21.6 12.7 16.9 16.3 21.6
as Americans
Tax rate levels 15.3 15.0 15.6 16.9 15.0 12.2
Our environment is being 14.1 15.0 13.3 8.4 13.7 17.6
protected
Wars are concluding 13.5 13.8 13.3 7.2 13.7 18.9
Racial tensions are lower / 6.8 5.4 8.1 6.0 5.2 9.5
race relations improving
Our privacy is secure 6.2 6.0 6.4 9.6 4.6 6.8
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 16

The following table presents results on a composite basis nationally along with results for
urban, suburban, and rural residents as well as those at varied income earning levels. As in
the previous table, these results show the contributing factors in determining the nation is
moving in the right direction or “things are currently good”.
Contributing Factors: USA Urban Suburban Rural

Respondents who suggested the nation was moving in either the “wrong direction” or
“things are currently not so good” were asked what contributed to that view. Results are
presented in the following table. The following is presented in declining order by national
results.
Contributing Factors: Wrong Direction USA South
Unemployment levels are still high 65.3 65.0
Terrorism is on the rise 63.0 63.3
Tax rates are too high 57.0 55.0
Our rights as Americans 54.9 63.3
Level of crime / feeling safe 53.4 57.5
The economy is stagnant or poor 51.4 53.3
Privacy is an illusion – we have no privacy 50.7 56.7
Religious faith seems to be declining 47.4 55.0
We are down-sizing our military 39.9 44.2
Personal standard of living is declining or the 39.9 42.5
same
Wars continue on 37.2 33.3
The price of gas is increasing again 34.5 28.3
We’re not protecting our environment as we 31.8 31.7
should
Women’s rights such as equal pay are not 23.9 26.7
realized
I can’t afford my own home – the American 17.9 15.0
Dream
Your own job satisfaction is poor 15.8 17.5
Interest rate levels are too high 13.5 14.2
Your own quality of life is poor or very poor 12.5 12.5
Home ownership levels 11.6 14.2
Slow stock market movement 10.0 12.5
Racial tensions 8.7 4.2
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 18

The following table presents results on a composite basis nationally along with results for
males, females, Hispanics, whites and African-Americans. As in the previous table, these
results show the contributing factors in determining the nation is moving in the wrong
direction or “things are currently not so good”.
Contributing Factors:
Wrong Direction
USA Male Female Hispanic White African
American
Unemployment levels are still high 65.3 67.4 63.1 63.3 65.9 69.2
Terrorism is on the rise 63.0 63.7 62.2 46.7 66.4 56.4
Tax rates are too high 57.0 53.7 60.6 41.7 60.4 38.5
Our rights as Americans 54.9 60.0 49.4 30.0 60.9 38.5
Level of crime / feeling safe 53.4 54.1 52.6 40.0 53.0 79.5
The economy is stagnant or poor 51.4 53.0 49.8 36.7 55.1 43.6
Privacy is an illusion – we have no 50.7 54.1 47.0 48.3 51.0 48.7
privacy
Religious faith seems to be declining 47.4 45.6 49.4 36.7 50.5 46.2
We are down-sizing our military 39.9 40.4 39.4 23.3 45.5 12.8
Personal standard of living is declining or 39.9 43.0 36.5 33.3 42.4 20.5
the same
Wars continue on 37.2 39.3 34.9 35.0 36.1 43.6
The price of gas is increasing again 34.5 31.5 37.8 36.7 32.8 43.6
We’re not protecting our environment as 31.8 31.1 32.5 35.0 29.5 35.9
we should
Women’s rights such as equal pay are not 23.9 20.0 28.1 20.0 23.2 23.1
realized
I can’t afford my own home – the 17.9 14.8 21.3 30.0 16.2 20.5
American Dream
Your own job satisfaction is poor 15.8 18.1 13.3 28.3 13.4 17.9
Interest rate levels are too high 13.5 10.4 16.9 11.7 12.1 33.3
Your own quality of life is poor or very 12.5 14.4 10.4 21.7 12.1 7.7
poor
Home ownership levels 11.6 11.5 11.6 8.3 12.4 7.7
Slow stock market movement 10.0 10.4 9.6 11.7 10.1 7.7
Racial tensions 8.7 9.3 8.0 8.3 8.3 10.3
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 19

The following table presents results on a composite basis nationally along with results for
urban, suburban, and rural residents as well as those at varied income earning levels. As in
the previous table, these results show the contributing factors in determining the nation is
moving in the wrong direction or “things are currently not so good”.
Contributing Factors: USA Urban Suburban Rural

Respondents were asked if, when things nationally are moving in the right direction, they
credit the conservative, moderate or liberal political philosophies “fully or mostly”.
Respondents were somewhat more likely to credit a moderate philosophy (33.5%) than a
conservative philosophy (31.2%). Those suggesting a liberal philosophy followed at 13.4%.
Results are presented in the following graph.
Credit for Nation's Positive Direction?
31.2
33.3 33.5 32.4
21.9
21.1
13.4
13.2
FULLY / MOSTLY CREDIT
CONSERVATIVES
FULLY / MOSTLY CREDIT
MODERATES
FULLY / MOSTLY CREDIT
LIBERALS
UNSURE
USA
South
Respondents were asked if, when things nationally are moving in the wrong direction, they
blame the conservative, moderate or liberal political philosophies “fully or mostly”.
Respondents were most likely to blame a liberal philosophy (35.8%) than a conservative
philosophy (28.8%). Those suggesting a moderate philosophy was to blame followed at
10.8%. Results are presented in the following graph.
Blame for Nation's Wrong Direction?
28.8
22.5
35.8
39.2
24.7
26
10.8
12.2
BLAME CONSERVATIVES
MOSTLY / FULLY
BLAME MODERATES
MOSTLY / FULLY
BLAME LIBERALS MOSTLY /
FULLY
UNSURE
USA
South
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 21

Respondents were asked, philosophically, if they considered themselves very conservative,
somewhat conservative, moderate, somewhat liberal or very liberal. Approximately twofifths,
40.7%, indicated very or somewhat conservative while 33.0% suggested they were
moderate while 21.6% indicated they considered themselves to be somewhat or very liberal.
Southern respondents were significantly more conservative than the national composite
47.1% to 40.7%. Results are presented here.
Consider Yourself Philosophically?
33
29.9 30.4
27.3
17.2
13.3
12.7
10.8
8.9
7.4 4.8 4.4
VERY
CONSERVATIVE
SOMEWHAT
CONSERVATIVE
MODERATE
SOMEWHAT
LIBERAL
VERY LIBERAL
UNSURE
USA
South
Respondents were presented with a number of statements about our Federal Government.
Each was asked to indicate if they strongly agreed, somewhat agreed, somewhat disagreed, or
strongly disagreed with each statement. The following table presents the cumulative totals
for those strongly and somewhat agreeing. Results are presented in declining order.
Statement
USA:
Strongly &
Somewhat
Agree
South:
Strongly &
Somewhat
Agree
The Federal Government has the ability to positively 74.9 72.5
impact the direction of this nation
Our Federal Government is too big to manage effectively 71.1 72.5
In general, the private sector and American businesses are
better equipped to improve the direction of this nation
than the Federal Government
62.2 64.7
The Federal Government remains the best safety net for
those in need
49.0 40.2
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 22

THE ILLUSION OF PRIVACY
The following section of the poll centered on perceptions of and experiences with internet
or online personal data security issues.
Respondents were asked to indicate the ways they access the internet. The following graph
presents the results as collected. Multiple responses were accepted.
How Do You Access the Internet?
68.8
66.7
73
73.5
62.8
64.2
49.1
49
24.8
24
1.4
1
COMPUTER LAPTOP PADS OR TABLETS SMARTPHONE TV WATCHES
USA
South
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 23

Poll participants were asked how secure they believed their personal data and information is
when they are using the internet. Nearly two-thirds, 65.4%, indicated very (14.4%) or
somewhat secure (51.0%). Another 30.9% suggested not very (23.0%) or not at all secure
(7.9%). Results are presented here.
How Secure in Personal Data Online?
51
44.6
14.4
19.1
23
20.1
7.9
3.7
9.3 6.9
VERY SECURE
SOMEWHAT
SECURE
NOT VERY SECURE
NOT AT ALL
SECURE
UNSURE
USA
South
Respondents were asked how believable it is when they see “Sign in Using Our Secure
Network” at the websites of their banks and favorite stores or vendors. Nearly one-quarter,
23.2%, suggested they find the security description either somewhat unbelievable (15.2%) or
not at all believable (8.0%). Some, 5.9%, were unsure. Results are presented here.
Believable: "Sign in Using our Secure
Network"?
58.6
55.4
12.3
13.2
15.2
14.7
8 9.8 5.9 6.9
VERY BELIEVABLE
SOMEWHAT
BELIEVABLE
SOMEWHAT
UNBELIEVABLE
NOT AT ALL
BELIEVABLE
UNSURE
USA
South
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 24

Respondents were asked for their own perception of privacy when they use browsers such as
Google, Bing, Safari, Internet Explorer or Firefox. A majority, 52.8%, suggested their
browsing and browsing history was somewhat public (35.0%) or very public (18.8%).
Another 41.4% indicated they believed their browsing was very private (9.0%) or somewhat
private (32.4%).
Results are depicted in the following graph.
How Private / Public is Your Own Browsing?
32.4
30.9
35
33.3
18.8
19.1
9
11.8
4.8
VERY PRIVATE SOMEWHAT PRIVATE SOMEWHAT PUBLIC VERY PUBLIC UNSURE
USA
South
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 25

The poll included a number of statements related to online privacy and privacy protection.
Respondents were asked if they agreed or disagreed with each statement. The following
table presents results nationally and in Southern states. Results are presented in declining
order by those in agreement nationally.
Characteristic
I have installed virus protection
software on the majority of the
devices used when connecting to
the internet
There is no such thing as “delete”
when it comes to the internet
If it means more privacy
protections, I would support
greater government oversight,
regulation and policing of the
internet
I have posted personal information
such as contact details,
employment details, birthdates on
social media such as Facebook,
LinkedIn, Twitter or others
I have or I know someone who
missed a job opportunity / or
promotion believed to be due to
posts on the internet
I subscribe to an Identity Theft
Protection service
I have been a victim of online theft
of such things as photos, personal
data, personal information
I have been surprised to find my
own personal photos on the
internet that I did not know were
there
I have made mistakes by posting
such things as vacation plans or my
whereabouts, photos or contact
information on the internet such as
on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
or LinkedIn.
USA:
Yes/
Agree
USA:
No/
Disagree
South:
Yes/Agree
South:
No/Disagree
82.4 13.3 84.3 12.3
77.9 14.8 78.4 16.2
40.2 43.7 39.2 45.1
40.1 54.8 43.6 53.9
28.3 58.8 27.9 61.8
26.2 67.6 27.5 67.6
24.6 65.8 20.1 72.1
20.8 72.0 20.6 74.0
20.2 74.7 20.6 75.5
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 26

A large majority of poll respondents, 86.7%, either strongly or somewhat agreed that
government employees, for security and personnel accountability reasons, should be
required to use government issued email addresses housed on government servers. Results
are shown in the following graph.
Government Employees Required to Use
Official Servers?
56.2
56.9
30.4
28.9
5.7 5.9 1.7
2
6
6.4
STRONGLY AGREE SOMEWHAT AGREE
SOMEWHAT
DISAGREE
STRONGLY
DISAGREE
UNSURE
USA
South
A large majority of respondents, 81.7%, indicated they were very aware (35.9%) or
somewhat aware (45.8%) of the recent hacking of Sony Studio servers in which hackers
released confidential employee emails publically. In southern states, awareness was 82.4%.
All respondents were asked if, as a result of the Sony or similar, recent hacking attacks, they
had moved to make their own online data more secure and remove some personal
information. Respondents were asked if they took no action, moderate action, or made
every effort to remove all personal online information/data. Results are presented here.
Action Taken in Response to Hacking Attacks USA South
Took no action to secure / remove personal online 32.7 32.8
data
Took moderate action to secure / remove personal 44.0 42.6
online data
Made every effort to remove all personal online
information
12.8 13.7
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 27

WOMEN IN PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERSHIP
The poll included questions about women leadership in the public sector such as local, state
and federal government – either elected or appointed.
A large majority of respondents, 84.3%, held very (39.4%) or somewhat favorable (44.9%)
impressions of the women who hold leadership positions – elected or appointed on all levels
of government. Results are presented in the following graph.
Impression of Women in Public Leadership
Roles
39.4
44.9
41.7 41.2
VERY FAVORABLE
SOMEWHAT
FAVORABLE
7.7
SOMEWHAT
UNFAVORABLE
3.4
6.9 7.8 4.6 2.5
NOT AT ALL
FAVORABLE
UNSURE
USA
South
A large majority of respondents, 88.7%, based on all they know or have heard, suggested
that the number of women getting involved in the public sector is either flourishing (16.6%)
or on a slow, but steady, increase (72.1%). Just 5.5% suggested the numbers are in a steady
or significant decline. Results are presented here.
The Number of Women in the Public Sector is… USA South
Flourishing / increasing significantly 16.6 22.5
Slow but steady increase 72.1 66.2
Slow but steady decrease 4.9 4.4
Significant decline 0.6 1.5
Unsure 5.9 5.4
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 28

Respondents were asked where they see too few women in leadership roles today. The
following are the total percentages of those seeing too few women in each role. The table
also holds results by males and female respondents. Females are significantly more likely to
suggest there are too few women in the respective leadership roles than males.
See Too Few Women… USA South Males Females
Elected positions from town councils, to the 43.6 43.6 38.3 49.0
State House to U.S. Congress
As the heads of local, state and federal 42.3 45.1 38.1 46.7
agencies
In economic development 31.3 30.9 30.6 32.1
Banking 24.1 26.0 24.5 23.7
Physicians in public health care facilities such 19.9 20.6 18.2 21.0
as clinics, hospitals, or VA facilities
As Governors and Lt. Governors 12.8 47.5 38.5 50.6
In law enforcement 11.7 37.3 38.1 43.6
As State’s Attorney Generals 9.4 35.8 28.2 37.5
As Court Judges 8.7 30.9 25.8 34.8
On State Supreme Courts 8.7 31.9 27.1 33.4
In K-12 and higher education roles 8.3 8.3 9.8 6.8
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 29

Respondents were presented with a number of reasons, mentioned by some, why women
don’t get ahead in the public sector – both elected and appointed. Respondents were asked
to indicate which they believed are legitimate reasons why some women don’t advance in the
public sector or perhaps win elections. Multiple responses were accepted. Reasons are
posted in declining order national results
Possible Reasons Women Don’t USA South Males Females
Advance
There exists an unconscious bias against 52.6 52.5 50.3 54.9
women
Those in a position to promote see men as 44.7 44.6 40.9 48.5
stronger leaders
Family and home needs become barriers to 42.3 35.8 41.8 42.9
advancing
Women are perceived to be less likely to 39.7 47.5 33.5 46.0
play hardball and politics in the office
setting
Many office cultures are exclusionary 35.7 36.8 34.4 37.0
Lack of child care / elder care keeps 29.9 29.4 26.9 33.0
women focused on home life
Women are perceived to be less likely to go 22.8 22.5 23.6 21.9
out drinking, play golf, or play tennis with
peers in the office
Few work hard to create openings for 20.7 23.0 16.2 25.3
women to advance in the office
Women network less frequently than men 13.1 12.7 13.1 13.1
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 30

Respondents were presented with a number of leadership attributes or characteristics. Based
on their own experiences, each was asked to rate female leaders and then male leaders on the
same characteristics using a scale of one to ten where one is very good and ten is very poor.
The following tables present the cumulative totals for positive ratings of one through four.
On average, Americans polled provided higher positive ratings for females than males on
leadership skills, attributes and characteristics. Further, females also provided significantly
higher positive ratings of women than men on the same skills, attributes and characteristics.
Women Leaders: USA South Males Females
Positive Ratings of
1 - 4
Leadership skills 64.3 64.2 55.1 73.8
Problem solving 66.2 67.2 58.2 74.5
Encouraging
66.3 66.7 58.9 74.0
employees
Empathetic /
68.2 69.0 62.1 74.5
Compassionate
AVERAGE 66.8 66.8 58.6 74.0
Using the same scale, respondents rated male leaders on the same characteristics.
Results are presented here.
Male Leaders: USA South Males Females
Positive Ratings of
1 - 4
Leadership skills 65.4 64.2 60.4 70.7
Problem solving 63.4 61.8 59.5 67.3
Encouraging
52.6 50.0 52.1 53.0
employees
Empathetic /
41.4 36.8 41.1 41.8
Compassionate
AVERAGE 55.7 53.2 53.3 58.2
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 31

The survey included the following question: “When a female has the following ethnic or
racial background and is blocked or not considered for leadership advancement in a public
sector role because of bias, would you say it is more likely a bias against….”
Results indicate that when a white female is held back, it is significantly more likely due to
gender. When an African-American or Hispanic female is held back, respondents suggest it
is more likely due to both ethnicity and gender.
Results, based on national results are presented here.
WHEN A
FEMALE IS:
Her
Ethnicity
Her
Gender
Both
Gender and
Ethnicity
Doubt
this
would
occur
Unsure Neither
Black Female 14.4 7.9 51.4 8.7 9.4 8.1
Hispanic Female 15.0 10.9 48.0 8.0 10.2 7.9
White Female 4.5 46.9 13.3 16.0 9.7 9.6
Asian Female 8.8 19.2 39.3 11.1 12.9 8.7
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 32

The following are a number of statements presented to respondents regarding equal pay for
and equal opportunities for women. All respondents were asked to indicate if they strongly
agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with each.
The following table presents the cumulative totals for those strongly and somewhat agreeing
with each statement.
Just one-third (30.2%) of all respondents agreed, strongly or somewhat, that women are
promoted as frequently as men, and that women receive equal pay for equal work in the
United States.
Statements USA: Strongly South: Strongly
and Somewhat
Agree
and Somewhat
Agree
Women are perceived to be more 70.6 73.5
polite and view the act of
negotiation differently than men.
Women are perceived to be less 64.9 68.1
likely to negotiate for initial
salaries and raises than men are.
Most employers see women as
63.0 63.2
not needing pay that is equal to
their male counterparts in the
same positions.
Jobs and titles being equal –
32.4 32.4
women are promoted as
frequently as men.
Women in the U.S. receive equal
pay for equal work
30.2 28.9
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 33

DEMOGRAPHICS
Rural, Suburban or Urban?
US
Rural 27.7
Suburban 47.9
Urban 22.6
Age
US
18 to 44 45.2
45 - 64 38.1
65+ 16.8
Income
US
Under $10,000 3.9
$10,000 to less than $40,000 28.6
$40,000 to less than $75,000 30.8
$75,000 to less than $100,000 16.5
$100,000 to less than $150,000 11.1
$150,000 to less than $200,000 2.9
$200,000 or more 2.5
Unsure 3.7
Party Affiliation
US
Republican 29.2
Democrat 31.9
Independent 32.6
Some other party 1.6
Unsure 4.8
Education
US
High School or less 9.4
High School / GED 13.6
Associates Degree 7.5
Some college / technical school 23.6
College / technical school graduate 31.0
Postgraduate or professional degree 14.4
Prefer not to disclose 0.3
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 34

Hispanic, Latin American, Puerto Rican,
US
Cuban or Mexican
Yes 16.5
No 83.2
Ethnicity (Among Non-Hispanics)
US
White 76.2
Black, African-American 16.2
Asian, Pacific Islander 5.7
Aleutian, Eskimo or American Indian 0.4
Other 0.7
Native Hawaiian 0.8
Two or more races ---
Refused ---
Don’t know/unsure ---
Employment
US
Working full-time 42.7
Working part-time 9.7
Student unemployed 2.9
Student – employed part or full-time 1.8
Retired 21.9
Unemployed – looking for work 4.8
Unemployed – not looking for work 1.7
Unemployed – unable to work / disability 4.3
Homemaker 10.0
Unsure - Other 0.3
Gender
US
Male 50.7
Female 49.3
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 35

5
APPENDIX
INTERPRETATION OF AGGREGATE RESULTS
The computer processed data for this survey are presented in the following frequency
distributions. It is important to note that the wordings of the variable labels and value labels
in the computer-processed data are largely abbreviated descriptions of the Questionnaire items
and available response categories.
The frequency distributions include the category or response for the question items.
Responses deemed not appropriate for classification have been grouped together under the
“Other” code.
The “NA” category label refers to “No Answer” or “Not Applicable.” This code is also used
to classify ambiguous responses. In addition, the “DK/RF” category includes those
respondents who did not know their answer to a question or declined to answer it. In many
of the tables, a group of responses may be tagged as “Missing” – occasionally, certain
individual’s responses may not be required to specific questions and thus are excluded.
Although when this category of response is used, the computations of percentages are
presented in two (2) ways in the frequency distributions: 1) with their inclusion (as a proportion
of the total sample), and 2) their exclusion (as a proportion of a sample sub-group).
Each frequency distribution includes the absolute observed occurrence of each response (i.e.
the total number of cases in each category). Immediately adjacent to the right of the column
of absolute frequencies is the column of relative frequencies. These are the percentages of
cases falling in each category response, including those cases designated as missing data. To
the right of the relative frequency column is the adjusted frequency distribution column that
contains the relative frequencies based on the legitimate (i.e. non-missing) cases. That is, the
total base for the adjusted frequency distribution excludes the missing data. For many
Questionnaire items, the relative frequencies and the adjusted frequencies will be nearly the
same. However, some items that elicit a sizable number of missing data will produce quite
substantial percentage differences between the two columns of frequencies. The careful
analyst will cautiously consider both distributions.
The last column of data within the frequency distribution is the cumulative frequency
distribution (Cum Freq.). This column is simply an adjusted frequency distribution of the
sum of all previous categories of response and the current category of response. Its primary
usefulness is to gauge some ordered or ranked meaning.
Institute of Government Polling Center Page 36