The SAMRA Organisation Membership of The Research Junxion (TRJ) and the related Associate Memberships have been terminated following complaints in terms of the SAMRA Code of Conduct and Guidelines and implementation of the SAMRA Code of Conduct Complaints Procedure.
A number of interviewers submitted complaints, including supporting evidence, against The Research Junxion regarding non-payment for completed work, and a formal complaint was submitted by an interviewer on 1 March 2017.
The Research Junxion was found guilty of conduct which might damage the reputation of market research and acted in a way that could bring discredit on the market research profession, as per Fundamental 2 and Article 1b) of the SAMRA Code of Conduct (November 2015 version).
The severity of the transgression was considered moderate, and thus the sanctions imposed are:
- Withdrawal of the SAMRA Partner status of Associate Member Elaine Alder
- Suspension until 28 February 2018 of the SAMRA Organisation Membership benefits of The Research Junxion
- Suspension until 28 February 2018 of The Research Junxion SAMRA Associate Members’ membership benefits
In addition to the above sanctions, the following remedial actions are recommended:
- All approved and outstanding payments related to the complaint must be made, the payments must reflect in the complainant’s account, and proof of payment must be submitted to SAMRA within three days of the date hereof.
- The Research Junxion staff must watch the SAMRA Ethics Update of 5 July 2017 within two weeks from the date of the finding.
- The Research Junxion owner-manager must make an appointment with the SAMRA Chief Executive Officer, within one month from the date of the finding, to discuss the ethical requirements of Independent Contracting, and the implications of those requirements for policies and procedures.
- The Research Junxion must implement, within one month from the date of the above appointment with the SAMRA Chief Executive Officer, the necessary policy and procedure changes to ensure adherence to SAMRA Code of Conduct requirements.
- The Research Junxion must submit a report to the SAMRA Chief Executive Officer, within two months from the date of the above appointment with the SAMRA Chief Executive Officer, indicating all policy and procedure changes implemented to give effect to the SAMRA Code of Conduct requirements.
- The complainant must make an appointment with the SAMRA Chief Executive Officer, to discuss either in person or telephonically, the requirements of Independent Contracting, and the implications of that for working as an interviewer in the market research industry.
- The complainant must confirm via email to the SAMRA Office within four days from the date of the finding, if all approved and outstanding payments due to you and related to the complaint have been made.
Neither party appealed the finding.
The Research Junxion did not address any of the recommendations for remedial action during the membership suspension period, and as a result membership was withdrawn from 1 March 2018.
