What Motivates Elite Participation in Research? Evidence from an Endline Study of South African Councillors

This study investigates if and how the provision of material inducements affect elite response rates to a survey. It is a complement to a substantively-motivated survey of local councillors in South Africa, exploring what representation and accountability look like from the perspective of politicians in young democracies. In this study, we randomize the type of inducement councillors are offered to complete the survey (information on the value of the research; a small payment guaranteed upon completion; entry into a lottery for a larger prize). We hypothesize that receiving a material inducement (guaranteed small payment or entry into a lottery) will increase the responsiveness of elites. And that councillors will be more likely to be responsive when they receive entry into the lottery, versus the guaranteed a small payment upon completion.