What is a key drawback of using questionnaires in business analysis?

The key drawback of using questionnaires in business analysis is that people rarely reply. This low response rate can significantly impact the quality and reliability of the data collected. When a large portion of the target audience does not respond, the sample may not represent the broader population accurately, leading to skewed results.

When designing a questionnaire, analysts hope to gather insights and valuable information efficiently. However, if respondents fail to return completed questionnaires, the effectiveness of this method diminishes. Factors contributing to low response rates may include survey fatigue, lack of incentive, or the perceived relevance of the questions asked. If the questionnaire is not engaging or the purpose is not clear to potential respondents, many may choose to ignore it.

This challenge highlights the importance of careful planning and design when using questionnaires in business analysis. Analysts often need to consider strategies that can enhance participation, such as ensuring the questionnaire is concise and relevant or using incentives to motivate responses. Thus, while questionnaires can be a valuable tool, their effectiveness can be compromised significantly if engagement is low.