The methods of measuring the well-being at the level of local self-government communities

Abstract

Purpose: This article aims to identify both the advantages and disadvantages of conducting surveys and face-to-face interviews to measure well-being at the local government community level. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research methodology was based on the analysis and evaluation of questionnaire surveys, which included residents' opinions on the functioning of municipalities in many basic dimensions and their institutions. The research was conducted in seven communes of Lower Silesia in Poland (Wałbrzych, Świdnica, Świebodzice, Strzegom, Jawor, Dobromierz, Mieroszów). When assessing the results obtained, information from other sources was also used, mainly collected statistics and direct knowledge of the surveyed communes. Findings: The developed statistical materials were prepared to make diagnoses necessary to develop new local development strategies for the studied communes and local communities, emphasizing the directly understood well-being of the local community. Practical Implications: During the analysis of the questionnaires, the authors of the study listed the primary types of mistakes made during surveys on prosperity and well-being at the level of local communities in Poland. Originality/Value: The conclusions from the research on survey research carried out in seven Lower Silesian municipalities allow for highlighting the crucial clues that will avoid several basic mistakes that reduce the results' cognitive and implementation value. Knowing the potential advantages and disadvantages of questionnaire surveys may protect against the deterioration of their values, which are very useful for implementing welfare (well-being) at the level of local communities.