1. Professionalism

• Use qualitative research in a professional manner and strive at all times to ensure that respondent recruiting, research, analysis and report preparation meet high standards of excellence.
• Act professionally, avoiding misconduct or inappropriate conduct.
• Keep proprietary research findings private. Do not share without explicit approval from relevant parties.
• Accurately represent the research client and/or the purpose of the research.
• Conduct and use qualitative research procedures only for legitimate research purposes, and not, for example, as a ruse for product promotion.
• Encourage ethical recruitment practices, including disclosing as much accurate information as possible to respondents about the subject matter, time commitment, requirements for participation, and incentive.
• Do not offer or accept kickbacks or other favors in return for research business.
• Comply with all applicable laws.

2. Representation

• Honestly represent professional credentials, academic degrees, research experience and client lists when such information is made available.
• Accurately represent credentials in order to secure or maintain membership in QRCA. Do not assert or imply that QRCA membership is evidence of accreditation or endorsement.

3. Respect for All

• Treat all stakeholders, including clients, field suppliers, colleagues, respondents and staff with respect and consideration, and at all times behave in such a manner as to reflect favorably on the qualitative research profession.
• Follow appropriate procedures to respect clients’ and respondents’ confidential and personal information.
• Avoid discriminatory practices in all aspects of qualitative research. Unless clearly justified by the research project/objectives, members will not arbitrarily exclude participants based on age, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), race, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship or physical appearance.

4. Advance the QRCA and the Qualitative Research Industry

• Support the QRCA Charter, Bylaws [LINK TO CHARTER AND BYLAWS], and all other policies, rules, requirements and guidelines officially sanctioned by the QRCA Board of Directors [LINK TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS].
• Support the policies of other industry associations, such as the Insights Association and ESOMAR, regarding professional conduct.
• Do not engage in business or professional conduct deemed detrimental or prejudicial to QRCA and the qualitative research industry.

5. QRCA Forum Policy

General Information

• The following are the rules and conditions of participating in the member-only QRCA Forum. The Forum is a member benefit provided by QRCA in furtherance of its mission and has been established to enable members to network, seek advice, encourage the free exchange of ideas, and promote professional development. QRCA accepts no responsibility for the opinions and information posted on the Forum and disclaims all warranties with regard to information posted on the Forum, whether by QRCA or its members.
• QRCA does not generally monitor the Forum for inappropriate postings, and does not on its own undertake editorial control of postings. However, in the event that any inappropriate posting or unauthorized use of the Forum is brought to the QRCA Executive Director’s attention, QRCA may take all appropriate action, in its sole discretion. QRCA reserves the right to terminate, without prior notice, the Forum access of any user.
• In no event shall QRCA be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages, or damages of any kind whatsoever, resulting from loss of use, data, or profits, arising out of or in connection with the use of performance of any information posted on the Forum.
• This policy is subject to change depending upon the needs and requirements of QRCA and its members. Any requests for exception to the Forum policy should be directed to the Executive Director of QRCA.

Etiquette

• Do not post any defamatory, abusive, profane, threatening, offensive, or illegal information or material, and do not use the Forum in any illegal manner, including laws governing antitrust or restraint of trade. Do not use the Forum to discuss, comment about, or otherwise address matters of pricing or other competitive issues. Do not use the Forum to self promote or advertise your company or its services. Do not use the Forum to collect information about its users or to transmit any unsolicited advertising, promotional materials, junk mail, spam, chain letters, pyramid schemes, any form of gambling, or any other solicitation. Do not transmit any material that contains software viruses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to negatively affects other users' ability to engage in the Forum.

Confidentiality

• Do not share messages posted on this Forum with anyone outside of QRCA unless you are given specific, written permission to do so from the individual(s) who posted the message(s). Do not post any confidential information or any information that would infringe upon the proprietary, privacy or personal rights of others.

Copyrights and Trademarks

• Do not post any information or other material that is protected by copyright without the permission of the copyright owner. Do not use any words, logos, or other marks that would infringe upon the trademark, service mark, certification mark, or other intellectual property right of the owners of such marks without the permission of such owners.