MRSI members abide by the Code in the conduct of their business to achieve the highest professional standards. The Code is refreshed from time to time to adapt to the needs of Research & Insights practitioners – current and future. The Code presents the fundamental principles of ethics that must be followed by the members, establishing a platform for self-regulation , fostering confidence in the industry and profession.
The Code safeguards the right of researchers to ethically seek, receive and impart information that comes with using people’s personal data.
The MRSI Managing Committee decision in January 2023 recommended after detailed deliberation by the Professional Standards Committee (PSC details below) to wholly adopt the ESOMAR Code, supplemented by Guidelines and Additional Guidance Documents that would assist the members with its implementation.
Research & Insight professionals hold themselves to the highest standards – the reputation of the industry is of paramount importance, and the industry relies on the trust placed in them by data subjects who share data directly or indirectly.
This is what must be kept in mind in reading, interpreting, and applying the Code. This Code is to be applied in the spirit in which it was written as well as to the letter.
Its purpose is to promote the importance and the credibility of the work undertaken by the MRSI members and promote the interests of the industry at large.
Researchers must ensure that research is carried out in accordance with this Code, that clients and other parties to the research agree to comply with its requirements, and that the Code is applied, where appropriate, by all organisations, companies and individuals at all stages of the research. Researchers and clients also should familiarise themselves with relevant local self-regulatory documents on research and with decisions taken by the appropriate self-regulatory body.
The Code has been organised into sections describing responsibilities of the members. Responsibilities are to be honoured towards the profession and constituencies that are served to safeguard the industry and its reputation and practices namely towards:
This Code sets the standards of professional and ethical conduct for Research & Insights in India and must be adhered to by all MRSI members. Any research activity – data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results irrespective of the place of the respondent or the client should follow this standard in principle and practice.
In the unlikely event of a conflict between this Code and the applicable law, the more restrictive standard governs.
Please click on the link here to download the Code DOWNLOAD CODE
This Code lays out the principles and framework for ethical Research & Insight practice. For implementation this should be read in conjunction with the relevant Guidelines and Additional Guidance Documents.
The acceptance and observance of the Code is mandatory for all MRSI members. The MRSI Professional Standards Committee will address any issues, complaints and breaches of the Code.
The basis for greater trust between MRSI members, their clients, partners, and the general public
The first MRSI PSC in India was appointed on Feb 13th 2020.
| Name | Organisation | Designation | PSC Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandeep Arora | Datamatics Global Services | President - Digital Experience | Chair |
| Anjana Pillai | Quantum Consumer Solutions Pvt Ltd | Partner | Committee Member |
| Ravikumar Narayanan | Dynata | Business Development Director | Committee Member |
| Abhinav Goel | Nestle India | Senior Manager, Consumer & Marketplace Insights | Committee Member |
| Amitabh Mishra | Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories | Head-Insights and Analytics - India | Committee Member |
MRSI will not take on complaints about non-members, unless there are exceptional circumstances requiring MRSI to protect its members, the reputation of the Market Research Industry or of MRSI. In case you would like to complain about a non-member, please explain in detail why you believe it is essential that MRSI members should be protected, or how the reputation of Market Research as an industry may be damaged.
Please note that MRSI cannot take on legal issues, such as contractual disputes, non-payment, and employment issues. It is advised that such cases are dealt with legally or through other commercial means.
The MRSI will not take on complaints that are submitted more than 12 months from the date of dispute.